FINE ANCIENT BATTLE AXE SAGARIS, 6TH-4TH BC

Greek/Scythian (southern Russia and Ukraine). 6 1/8” height, tapered with curved edge and skull crusher back crest opposite. Large integral lugs, particularly finely formed, to facilitate mounting in the haft by lashing.  (These are usually simply formed by hammering the edge to a flange.) The sagaris is the first horseman's axe, used by the Scythians who are credited with mounted warfare. They are also specifically associated with the Amazons, the woman warriors of Greek history, recorded by Herodotus (484-425 BC).  See https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/06/world/scythian-amazon-burial-scn-intl-scli/index.html for a newly discovered Scythian burial of four woman warriors including a noblewoman. The sagaris is further distinguished by being among the very earliest of iron weapons. Excellent excavated condition. About as good as they come.