Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead

Ovoid in profile with a domed tiered filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 700 grams, 13.8 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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.

Ovoid body with circular socket. 435 grams, 86 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

Substantial blade with rounded shoulders and a short rectangular-section tang. 355 grams, 42.7 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

Luristan was hardly an ethnic or political entity, but the people of Luri had relations through warfare and trade with Sumerians, Lullubi, Assyrians, Babylonians and Elamites over a long period of time, spanning from the 3rd to the 2nd millennium B.C. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses.