Rare discovery: a medieval two-handed sword has been found in Poland (photo).

Recently, near the village of Bolshaya Tymava in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship of Poland, a group of searchers uncovered a two-handed medieval sword and two axes, dated to the 14th-15th centuries AD. This discovery has garnered the attention of historians and archaeologists due to the excellent condition of the sword, which still retains its handle, guard, and pommel, reports Heritage Daily.

Experts from the Ostróda Museum noted that the sword measures just under one meter in length and bears a striking resemblance to the one-and-a-half-handed swords that were widely used in Western Europe during the late medieval period. Its sharp blade suggests that it was primarily designed for penetrating armor — a common combat technique of that era.

Łukasz Ściepanski, an archaeologist from the Ostróda Museum, speculated that the find might be linked to the floodplains of the Os, an area historically known for its winding riverbed. He added that there may have been a bridge crossing there, which could have led to the loss of this weapon by its owner.

The significance of this discovery extends beyond its historical value. The voivodeship's monument conservation officer has transferred the weapon for safekeeping to the Ostróda Museum, where conservation efforts are already underway.

X-ray examinations are being conducted to assess the internal condition of the artifacts before conservation work begins to stabilize them. Researchers expect that after the conservation process is completed, the sword and axes will be displayed in a permanent exhibition by the end of this year.

This find is particularly important for the museum, as it is the first two-handed sword to join their collection. The museum itself, located in a former Teutonic castle, is dedicated to preserving medieval history.

This latest addition not only expands the museum's collection but also provides valuable information about weapons and military practices of the late medieval period, demonstrating the ongoing relevance of archaeological research for understanding historical narratives.

We also reported on the discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II. This marks the first discovery of a royal tomb of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh since the excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.