Description
The Iberians were a warlike collection of tribes and peoples, and this ensured their independence from both Carthage and Rome for many years. They supplied mercenaries to both sides, and were widely respected for their tactical skills and courage. Their use of the deadly falcata sword added to their reputation too. The Romans called the distinctive Iberian sword type the 'machaera Hispana' but these are now referred to as the 'falcata'. These were extremely sharp, slashing, single-edged weapons with curved back edges. The term single-edged is also slightly misleading, as the point was sharpened on the back edge as well as the front. The balance of the blade was towards the broad tip, making a blow from one of these extremely powerful. In the hands of a master, a falcata could easily dismember an opponent. The skills of Iberian metal workers added to the blade’s deadliness; their steel was generally of very high quality.
