Liberty Biblical Museum
  • Home
  • About
  • Artifacts
    • Mace Head
    • Axe Head
    • Bronze Sword
    • Spear Head
    • Khopesh
    • Slingshot Projectiles
    • Arrowheads
    • Gladius
    • Roman Shield Mount
  • Upcoming
  • Further Reading
  • Sources
  • Contact

khopesh

Click the photos below to magnify. 
Khopesh full view - side 1
Khopesh full view - side 2
Khopesh with 25cm size reference
Khopesh hilt close-up view
Khopesh blade close-up view
Replica Khopesh

​Artifact: Khopesh  
Location Discovered:
Jerusalem
Date: c. 1500 B.C. 
Material: Bronze
​Total Length: 23 inches
Blade Length: 18 inches

This bronze khopesh, or sickle-sword, was found near Jerusalem and dates to the Late Bronze Age, circa 1500 B.C. The sword is sharpened on the outer edge of the curved portion of the blade. The khopesh originated in Egypt and was one of the signature weapons of Egyptian troops during the Middle and New Kingdom periods.

The ancient Egyptians fought countless battles in Canaan against a myriad of enemies. This khopesh was likely used by an Egyptian soldier in the New Kingdom period, shortly after the Egyptians had overthrown their Hyksos oppressors. The khopesh was commonly used by both Canaanites and Israelites during the time of Joshua and the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land (1). Battles in the Bible in which the khopesh was likely used include the first and second battles of Ai, recorded in Joshua 7-8, the battle of Gibeon, recorded in Joshua 10:1-27, as well as other campaigns against the Canaanite tribes, recorded in Joshua 10:28-43.

Watch the video below to learn more about the khopesh.

Picture
Previous Artifact
​(1)  Yigael Yadin, The Art of Warfare in Biblical Lands: In the Light of Archaeological Study (New York: McGraw Hill, 1963), 349-350.
Picture
Next Artifact
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Yair Aronshtam
  • Home
  • About
  • Artifacts
    • Mace Head
    • Axe Head
    • Bronze Sword
    • Spear Head
    • Khopesh
    • Slingshot Projectiles
    • Arrowheads
    • Gladius
    • Roman Shield Mount
  • Upcoming
  • Further Reading
  • Sources
  • Contact