Perso-Scythian AE Trilobate Arrowhead | 800-350 BCE | Cultural Hybrid

Description: Perso-Scythia | AE Arrowhead Reference: NT Type T4 var (pyramid shape); Stronach 4 var (pyramid shape); Daragan and Didenko, Volkovtsy Kurgan 478, 7 var (body design) Date: c. 800-350 BCE Blade Classification: Trilobate Point Shape: Deltoid-Lanceolate Socket: Conical Stem: Short Barbs: None Size: 32.5 mm Weight: 5.85 grams CULTURAL HYBRID. Cultural and technological change are bound to happen when two different societies meet. The steppe-dwelling Scythians are widely credited with developing and introducing the trilobate arrowhead to the Greeks and Persians. This particular point offers an interesting example of cultural exchange in the opposite direction. The body of this trilobate arrowhead is clearly based on a Persian design: a broad deltoid-lanceolate shape with long, gradual back angles on each blade. However the tip of the point is a large solid pyramid whose base becomes elongated to form heavy solid fins that sit on top of each blade. This design is almost certainly selected to punch through heavy armor. While Achaemenid designs from the Greco-Persian wars did start to adopt solid pyramid points, they were usually relatively small and confined to the very tip of the point. ON this point the solid pyramidal portion dominates the entire top half of the arrowhead. This design choice is unlike anything I've seen on Classical Greek arrowheads, but can be found on several Scythian types (without the Persian body design): Daragan and Didenko, Volkovtsy Kurgan 478, 7 (pg. 180); Daragan and Didenko, Zhurovka Kurgan 448, 11 (pg. 177); and Daragan and Didenko, Kitaygorodka, 5-12 (pg. 171). Therefore, it would seem to me that this particular arrowhead is a Scythian modification on an Achaemenid type, and represents reciprocal technological exchange from the Persians back to the Scythians! 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? 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 too. 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 before you pay 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: 49.99 USD

Location: Canton, Michigan

End Time: 2025-01-28T23:39:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6 USD