Medieval Georgian arms.

Alex K · 8th October 2006, 03:55 PM

Hi all, found this forum while searching for info on Georgian swords, and it seems to be a nice place for Caucasian arms discussion.

Anyway, on to my question. What kind of swords did the Georgians use in the medieval period? Would they have been culturally unique, or pracically identical to Middle Eastern variants?

Also, I've seen a lot of Khevsurian swords, but all from around the 17th-19th centuries. Would a Khevsurian sword been used in the medieval period, and are there any surviving examples? If there aren't, would you guys say that a typical 19th century example is a good indication of what was used in medieval times?

Thanks
Alex

Rivkin · 9th October 2006, 03:58 AM

I think one of the only books on the subject is David Nicolle "Arms and Armour of the crusading era", Volume II - Middle East.

If you don't want to but the book I can scan the pages. Additionally I would point to various archeological books/articles - there is a fantastic book on ancient georgian bronze and a lot of articles on steppe weapons.

Georgian weapons were always extremely influenced by the biggest power in the region/biggest supplier of the mercenaries in the region. Since VIII till early Xth century arabs were the biggest power and some of georgian swords are very similar to arabic straight swords of the time. Later we have strong influence of european crusaders with straight swords and echo of alanic/khazar/later seljuk influence with progressively in time more and more curved weapons. Even later Georgia with a few exceptions is divided into Ottoman and Persian provinces and uses swords that are locally produced but similar to Ottoman weapons (broad, slightly curved kilij with yelman) and Persian weapons - shamshir (strong curvature, characteristic georgian hilt/fullers).

In short - as with everyone you have swords coming from somewhere else and modified locally, forming a distinctive new pattern.

P.S. We are still trying to open collaboration with Janashia Museum so we can exchange the information more freely.

8th October 2006, 03:55 PM	#1
Alex K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3	Medieval Georgian arms. Hi all, found this forum while searching for info on Georgian swords, and it seems to be a nice place for Caucasian arms discussion. Anyway, on to my question. What kind of swords did the Georgians use in the medieval period? Would they have been culturally unique, or pracically identical to Middle Eastern variants? Also, I've seen a lot of Khevsurian swords, but all from around the 17th-19th centuries. Would a Khevsurian sword been used in the medieval period, and are there any surviving examples? If there aren't, would you guys say that a typical 19th century example is a good indication of what was used in medieval times? Thanks Alex

9th October 2006, 03:58 AM	#2
Rivkin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 655	I think one of the only books on the subject is David Nicolle "Arms and Armour of the crusading era", Volume II - Middle East. If you don't want to but the book I can scan the pages. Additionally I would point to various archeological books/articles - there is a fantastic book on ancient georgian bronze and a lot of articles on steppe weapons. Georgian weapons were always extremely influenced by the biggest power in the region/biggest supplier of the mercenaries in the region. Since VIII till early Xth century arabs were the biggest power and some of georgian swords are very similar to arabic straight swords of the time. Later we have strong influence of european crusaders with straight swords and echo of alanic/khazar/later seljuk influence with progressively in time more and more curved weapons. Even later Georgia with a few exceptions is divided into Ottoman and Persian provinces and uses swords that are locally produced but similar to Ottoman weapons (broad, slightly curved kilij with yelman) and Persian weapons - shamshir (strong curvature, characteristic georgian hilt/fullers). In short - as with everyone you have swords coming from somewhere else and modified locally, forming a distinctive new pattern. P.S. We are still trying to open collaboration with Janashia Museum so we can exchange the information more freely.