Hwandudaedo

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Hwandudaedo
Hangul 환두대도
Hanja 環頭大刀
Revised Romanization Hwandudaedo
McCune-Reischauer Hwantudaedo

The Hwandudaedo is a type of ancient Korean sword from the Three Kingdoms of Korea era[1] (2nd half of the 1st century B.C.)[2] The Hwandudaedo, a type of Sohwandudaedo, were decorated swords first seen in the south with a folded blade and a ring pommel.[2] Hwandudaedo were first signs of a ruler's power up until the end of the fourth century, and soon became limited to personal possession rather than use as a weapon.[2] Because they spread to the lower class in the fifth century, they have been excavated throughout the country, and in various tombs and of the ruling class.[2]

The hwandudaedo were large military swords made for battle, as it had a thick back and sharpened blade.[2][3]

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ Swords
  2. ^ a b c d e Korean Swords Article
  3. ^ KNTO Cultural Facilities