Ca.400 BC. Nice example of Ancient Greek Hellenistic Period iron short sword with broad blade, rectangular grip with lobed lower guard, and circular pommel. Ring knob swords are mostly assigned to the Sarmatians, they roamed the shores of the Black Sea and the sea of Asov from the 5th century BC until the 4th century A.D. The Roman military took over this type of sword, probably from the Sarmatians, this probably during the time when Trajan assembled the rider troop ala I Ulpia contariorum in Arrabona. The type of sword was also used by the Romans between 2nd to mid 3rd century AD. It is believed that the early Roman ring knob swords of the Romans were similar to the ones of the Sarmatians. The short blade was used with foot troops and the long blades with cavalry. Size: L:500mm / W:80mm ; 555g Good Condition. Provenance: Property of a W.L.C; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s. All Items sold by Pax Romana Auctions come with a professional Certificate of Authenticity. This item comes with a FREE professional and custom made stand. We make our stands from quality and durable materials - wood and metal. We create them in-house tailored to each single item.