Sarmatian Riders Simonenko

[Alanus]

Here is more info on the Type 1 Sarmatian long-sword. :-)

Dipictions show it being used single handed but the grip is so long that it accommodated a second hand as the warrior became tired. Here is the sword (and scabbard) on the Orlat Plaque:

[attachment=6628]OrlatBeltPlaquefromSogdiana1.jpg[/attachment]


Here is a still shot of Jackie Chan with a Warring States sword, no different than the Type 1 style. Again, the grip is long enough for two hands if needed.

[attachment=6629]wsswords017.JPG[/attachment]


And here is a reproduction, quite accurate, of the First Emperor's sword, showing a long grip.

[attachment=6630]1stemperorssword008.JPG[/attachment]

Here is the design progression of the Type 1 sword. Top: a Warring States sword, c. 220 BC. Middle: Emperor Wu-di's sword, c. 150 BC. Bottom: Sarmatian Type 1, c. 100 BC to AD 100.

[attachment=6631]orlatswords0102.jpg[/attachment]

All the swords are consistent-- long blades and long grips-- from their introduction by the Sarmatians to the Chinese, to increasingly full-fledged forging, to the point the swords became a revered status symbol to both the Wusun/Yu-chi and the Chinese. These were Chi'-in and Han court swords and prized weapons of Sarmatian chieftains. By the early first century AD, they show up in north Pontic Aorsi graves, and by AD 68 they arrive at the river Ister (Danube) in the hands of the Roxolani. mile: