Aramaic Inscribed Bronze Arrowhead for Zscha..., Son of Adnb

Comprising a rectangular-section shank with incised diagonal lines and punched pellets; narrow leaf-shaped blade with lateral flanches and notching; tail developing to lateral lobes with incised and punched ornament. 216 grsms, 60.5 cm



Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman collector.

Two-edged leaf-shaped dagger blade with flat rectangular tang, flared at the shoulders. 133 grams, 25.2 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

This was one of the earliest forms of Western Asiatic daggers, but until the blade was strengthened by thickening or by having a midrib at the centre, and rivets were introduced, it must have often buckled up on impact. However, when compared to the earliest Egyptian types with its short triangular blade, this Asiatic dagger is longer, narrower, and probably more useful as an offensive weapon.

Ovoid in profile with a rounded base and a gently ribbed body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 774 grams, 14.6 cm



From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.