Unique ‘Excalibur’ Sword Unearthed in Spain Holds Islamic Origins

Researchers have finally unveiled the age-old mysteries surrounding a historic Islamic sword dubbed “Excalibur”, due to its position when found evoking parallels to the legendary sword of King Arthur. Discovered upright in 1994 at an archaeological site nestled within Valencia's ancient town, the iron sword was found embedded in the earth. Situated to the north of the ancient Roman Forum, this site has witnessed the ebb and flow of diverse cultures throughout Valencia's storied past.

Visigoth Weaponry: Uncovering Excalibur

Since its unearthing, the sword's true age had eluded scholars. However, recent efforts by the Archaeology Service (SIAM) of the Valencia City Council have shed light on its origins, reports Horta Noticias. Through meticulous dating techniques, they have determined that the sword hails from the 10th century, firmly establishing its antiquity at over a millennium old.

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A close-up shot of the hilt Warrior Sword form Valencia. (SERVICI D’ARQUEOLOGIA DE L’AJUNTAMENT DE VALÈNCIA SIAM)

SIAM's analysis indicates that this sword represents the first discovery of its kind from the Islamic era in Valencia. Swords from this period are generally scarce in Spain, particularly in Valencia, where the soil's composition poses challenges to preservation efforts. Measuring approximately 18 inches (45.72 cms) in length, the sword boasts a hilt adorned with bronze plates. Its moderately sized blade gently curves towards the tip, a feature that initially confounded experts due to its resemblance to Visigoth swords.

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An expert is measuring the Islamic-era sword discovered in Valencia in 1994, known as Excalibur, has been dated back to the 10th century. (SERVICI D’ARQUEOLOGIA DE L’AJUNTAMENT DE VALÈNCIA SIAM)

The dimensions of the sword and its notable lack of a hand guard point towards its potential usage by a mounted warrior during the Andalusian caliphal era. While it may exhibit evolutionary traits from Visigothic models, municipal technicians are unequivocal in attributing its origins to the Islamic period of Balansiya. Only one comparable specimen has surfaced thus far, unearthed amidst the excavations of Medina Azahara, the illustrious caliphal city commissioned by Abderramán III in Córdoba.

Despite the parallels with Visigoth weaponry, researchers successfully dated "Excalibur" following its meticulous restoration. The sword's size and the absence of a hand guard suggest it may have been wielded by a mounted warrior. Legend recounts Arthur's singular feat of withdrawing a magical sword fixed in stone, a feat that led to his coronation as king.

The councilor for Cultural Action, Heritage and Cultural Resources, José Luis Moreno, has assured that:

 "thanks to the archaeology scholarship convened by the Valencia City Council, the archaeologist José Miguel Osuna is carrying out a detailed study of analysis of metallic objects that go from Roman times to the late medieval period and where a new and exceptional find has come to light, which we have called the Excalibur de Roc Chabàs to be very similar to the legendary sword of King Arthur."

From the Visigoths to the Umayyad Caliphate

The Visigoths, a Germanic tribe, left an indelible mark on European history during the twilight of the Western Roman Empire and the early medieval period. In the Iberian Peninsula, they established a formidable Christian kingdom that endured from the 5th to the 8th centuries until the Islamic conquest reshaped the region's landscape, reports The Newsweek.

This timeframe aligns with the era when the Iberian Peninsula, including Valencia, was under Islamic governance, known as Al-Andalus. Spanning from 711 to 1492 AD, this period marked a significant chapter in the region's history - an interplay of diverse cultures and civilizations. With the Islamic conquest in the early 8th century, the city seamlessly transitioned into the fold of Muslim governance, following the Umayyad triumph over the Visigothic Kingdom in 711 AD.

The Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Umayyad Caliphate occurred between approximately 710 and the 720s. The conquest resulted in the defeat of the Visigoth Kingdom. (Rumomo/CC BY-SA 4.0)

As part of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba, the city flourished as a center of Islamic learning and artistic innovation. Mosques, palaces, and public infrastructure adorned its landscape, reflecting the cosmopolitan essence of Islamic civilization. Urban development became the cornerstone of Valencia's transformation under Islamic rule. The city's layout underwent meticulous reorganization as streets widened, markets thrived, and architectural marvels graced the skyline.

Top image: The unique sword found in Valencia in 1994 dates back 1,000 years. Source: SERVICI D’ARQUEOLOGIA DE L’AJUNTAMENT DE VALÈNCIA SIAM

By Sahir Pandey