32. The Ancient Greeks’ Favorite Sword
The ancient Greek xiphos sword was in use since the Bronze Age, and was mentioned by Homer. A pointed and double-edged short sword, typically with a two-foot-long leaf-shaped blade, the xiphos was used for both cutting and thrusting. Designed for single-handed use, it was favored by Greek hoplites and was carried by them as standard equipment when they marched off to war.
The xiphos’ leaf shape distributed the blade’s weight more towards the tip. That put more mass behind the point of impact in cutting and hacking strokes. Because added mass means added momentum, it allowed the blade to cut more readily. Additionally, the leaf shape gave the blade a curve on both sides, and such curves were useful in pushing and drawing cuts at close quarters.