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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.
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.
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(1) Yigael Yadin, The Art of Warfare in Biblical Lands: In the Light of Archaeological Study (New York: McGraw Hill, 1963), 349-350.
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