example of what appears to be an ancient

The most significant archaeological find of recent note in this particular category of near eastern straight swords is the Vered Jericho Sword, excavated by Avrahim Eitan near Jericho.Swords of the Arabs and Israelites have long been a fascination of mine Sayed Akbar "Yesterday was HobsonWhile it is easy to get swept up and focus only on the scimitar, and other shorter, lighter swords, there are several significant examples of straight swords in the Near East that deserve attention."The near eastern straight sword, particularly one with a single or double groove that also lacks a guard, can be found in several obscure places. The hilt of the sword will be of select horn, craftwork, with a pattern in many colours: gold, silver and precious stones (Martinez). 

And its width: four fingers. One of those obscure places to look - would be found at wildweapons. Another modern-day example of near eastern straight sword would be the swords used by Shia Muslims during their Ashura rituals. (Shanks)The use of near eastern straight swords can also be seen in the blood rituals of modern day Shia Muslims.The Vered Jericho sword is unique example of a near eastern straight sword. A final example can be found, not in present day but in the future - i. The scabbard will be four thumbs; it will have four palms up to the scabbard and diagonally, the scabbard from one part to the other (will be) five palms. Length of the sword: one cubit and a half.com.

The prophecy of the swords to be used by the forces of light against the forces of darkness in a final apocalyptic battle described in the Dead Sea Scrolls shows not only the ideal sword of the ancient near east, but also describes a design in use  today. This near eastern straight sword is a modern-day example of what appears to be an ancient design, which is mentioned in the prophecy of the War Scroll. The Shia ritual involves bloodletting to commemorate his death and is seen as a promise by the Shias to never put down their swords until they have vanquished their enemies (Ali).htmlMartinez, Florentino Garcia, The Dead Sea Scrolls Translated, 2nd ed. 

The ritual of Ashura, held on the 10th of Muharram, involves the ritual use of swords to lament the death the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, who was murdered approximately 1300 years ago. It is singularly amazing that a sword of this age was found intact, as the archaeological strata from which it came dated at approximately 620 B. And it will have two straight channels right to the tip, two on each side.Shanks, Hershel "BAR Interviews Avraham Eitan," Biblical Archaeological Review  the swords mentioned in the Dead Sea Scroll known as the War Scroll. The near eastern straight sword of this final apocalyptic battle have been minutely described from translation as The swords shall be of purified iron, refined Axial Preset Gauge in a crucible and whitened like a mirror, work of a skilful craftsman; and it will have shapes of an ear of wheat, of pure gold, encrusted in it on both sides. One of the most interesting features of some of the near eastern straight swords used would be the narrow groove down the center of the blade, and the lack of a sword guard Made of iron, it has a hilt made of bronze, but also has a wooden grip. This particular near eastern straight sword is described as being about 3 feet long, and about 3 inches wide.