Description: Achaemenid Persia | AE Arrowhead Reference: Malloy 111, Schmidt Persepolis 8, Stronach 12 Date: c. 550-330 BCE Blade Classification: Trilobate Point Shape: Rhombic-lanceolate Socket: Conical Stem: None, integrated socketBarbs: None Size: 37.6 mm Weight: 2.57 grams This Achaemenid Persian bronze arrowhead is identifiable due to its broad, rhombic-lanceolate and trilobate shape and stemless, integrated conical socket. The socket appears to have grooves separating it from the blades, perhaps to reduce drag. It lacks an armor piercing pyramid tip, making this arrowhead standard issue for the Achaemenid archer. The piece features ancient impact damage. Not only are the blades deflected, but two of the three appear to have been dinged/ground away. This suggests the arrowhead was likely fired and encountered something hard at the end of its trajectory. The blades' grinding/subtractive damage may even indicate penetration of something metal. Whether that was a Spartan hoplon, a Macedonian telamon, or something lamer it is impossible to know. Along with ancient coins, I also hunt for and collect ancient flint/chert points from throughout the Midwest. Picking up this hobby and having great mentorship from experienced flint experts --shoutout Roy Autry-- taught me a lot about the anatomy of projectile points and how to classify them (my favorites are Hopewell-Snyders and Table Rocks!). Years ago, when I won a former Wake Forest professor's collection of ancient bronze arrowheads at auction I was immediately hooked (arrowheads from this collection are not for sale...yet). How could I resist? This was a exciting crossover of my ancient coin and ancient flint point interests. Unfortunately, identifying or attributing ancient bronze arrowheads is relatively difficult compared to coins or North American flint. This is largely due to the scarcity of synthesized reference material. Most information is scattered throughout dense archaeological reports from different journals that non-academics don't have easy access to. Luckily for us, Joseph T. Sermarini over at FORVM has put together a wonderful reference guide, and Carsten Rau has written a useful book on European bronze arrowheads that I encourage the curious to check out. When it comes to ancient bronze arrowheads, its important to stress the evolutionary nature of their typology. While a particular arrowhead may match a Greek typology introduced c. 500 BCE, a similar type may have been produced by Roman auxilliaries c. 100 BCE. Without knowing the exact archaeological context of a particular point, it cannot be said with certainty if it belongs to a pre-Roman or Roman period. For example, types very similar to Greek socketed bilobates are often found in Roman sites in Spain. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 29.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2024-03-10T15:52:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Composition: Bronze
Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
Era: Ancient
