(ORDO NEWS) — An unusual sword was found in a Japanese tomb. Its feature is its size. Archaeologists say it is the longest sword they have ever found.
The length of the weapon is 2.3 m. It is still unclear who and how could fight with such a weapon.
In addition to the sword, archaeologists also found an unusual mirror. Previously, such finds had not been found in burials.
The artifacts were discovered in Kurgan, which dates back to the end of the 4th century. Excavations were conducted in the western city of Nara.
The sword is called “Dako” and it is so far the largest one ever found in Japan. The mirror also leads in terms of its dimensions among those previously discovered.
The excavated mound is called Tomio Maruyama. Historians say that it can become a national treasure of Japan. The double find is unusual not only because of its size.
The mirror itself is made in the form of a battle shield. Its length is 64 cm, width is more than 31 cm. The product weighs almost 5.7 kg.
The patterns on the surface are similar to the design of more common Daryu mirrors. Archaeologists have never seen anything like this before.
The sword “Dako” has a winding blade, the shape resembles a crawling snake. Historians say that it was forged in East Asia during the Kofun period.
It remains to be seen whether he participated in sword fights or was made specifically for the ruler’s burial. The weapon can be considered a masterpiece of metalworking of that time.
This is how the director of the Archaeological Institute, Kosaku Okabayashi, commented on the findings.
The “Kofun” period got its name in honor of the mounds that were built for the rulers in 310-700 AD.
Now the artifacts will be thoroughly researched, described, the necessary reconstruction work will be carried out and exhibited in a local museum.
So, in the next couple of years, the findings will not be available for general inspection.
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