In Assassin's Creed: Origins, players encounter a curved weapon resembling the Khopesh, a powerful and iconic blade from ancient Egypt. Known for its distinctive, sickle-like shape, the Khopesh was a versatile weapon used for both slashing and hooking enemies. Similarly, across the Red Sea in Ethiopia, the Shotel emerged as a signature blade of elite warriors. Though both weapons share a curved design, each played a unique role in the military strategies of their respective cultures. In this post, we’ll explore the history and design of the Khopesh and Shotel, and how they became legendary symbols of ancient power.
Khopesh: The Curved Sword of Ancient Egypt
The Khopesh originated in Ancient Egypt around the 25th century BCE. It is a versatile single-edged weapon, adept at slashing but also capable of some thrusting. The blade's edge is mainly concentrated on the outer curve, the tip, and part of the hook area, while the straight part near the handle and the back of the blade remains unsharpened.
Though the Khopesh is often referred to as the "Egyptian sickle-sword," its edge is located on the outer curve, not the inner edge like a sickle, so a more accurate name would be the "Ancient Egyptian curved sword."
The Development and Use of the Khopesh
Ancient Egyptian civilization began around the 32nd century BCE with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by King Menes, establishing the First Dynasty. Following this unification, Egypt experienced a long period of stability, known as the "Old Kingdom" (3188 BCE – 2270 BCE). During this period, agriculture, industry, commerce, and architecture flourished, and the construction of the pyramids began. Egypt also established a monarchical system with centralized governance.
Militarily, the Old Kingdom's Egyptian army was directly led by the Pharaoh and had military departments managing weapons, logistics, and defense works. However, military technology was still primitive, with soldiers lacking standardized training, weapons, and armor, with many soldiers fighting in simple garments or even bare-chested. The bow was still the primary weapon, and although simple to make, it had limited range and power.
Despite this, military disadvantages were not prominently exposed, as warfare was mostly confined to internal power struggles within Egypt.
It was not until the decline of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom (around 1650 BCE), when the Hyksos invaded Egypt, that Egypt faced significant challenges. The invading Hyksos army was equipped with chariots and composite bows, occupying northern Egypt and ruling for over a century (1720 BCE – 1570 BCE). This period is referred to as the "Reign of the Sun God in Absence."
After a long struggle, Egypt regained control in the 15th century BCE and recognized its military weaknesses. From then on, the Egyptian military began adopting foreign tactics and weaponry, entering the "New Kingdom" with significant military advancements. Under the reign of the famous Pharaoh Ramesses II, the Khopesh became a standard weapon widely equipped in the Egyptian army.
The Battlefield Use of the Khopesh
Initially, Khopesh weapons were made of bronze, later transitioning to iron. However, by the 13th century BCE, the Khopesh gradually fell out of military use and became a ceremonial weapon symbolizing power and status. For instance, two bronze Khopesh swords were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
The Khopesh was not only effective for slashing and thrusting, but its curved design also allowed it to hook onto enemies' shields or limbs and even bypass shield edges to strike opponents directly. The hook section could be used to trip or unbalance enemies, creating an opening for further attacks.
Shotel: The Elite Blade of Ethiopia
The Shotel was widely used during the Aksumite Kingdom (100 CE - 940 CE) period. This weapon was the signature armament of the emperor’s elite forces, and warriors skilled in its use could even combat enemy cavalry.
With the rise of firearms, the Shotel gradually fell out of active military service, transitioning into a symbol of nobility.
Design Features of the Shotel
The Shotel typically ranges from 70 to 100 centimeters in length, with a blade that is almost half-moon shaped, resembling a large sickle. Unlike the Khopesh, the Shotel features a double-edged design, with sharp edges on both the inner and outer sides, and it has a robust cross-section with a diamond-shaped profile for added durability.
There is no fixed standard for the curvature and width of the Shotel's blade; some blades are only 1 inch wide, while others used by nobles may exceed 3 inches and feature intricate carvings.
The Shotel is generally a one-handed weapon, with a short handle usually about the length of one palm. The handle can be made of materials like buffalo horn, hardwood, or even ivory.
Due to the Shotel's curved blade, it is difficult to use conventional sheaths, so it is typically stored in a special scabbard with an open side, made from leather or buffalo horn and ending in a small metal ball to secure the blade.
Combat Advantages of the Shotel
The Shotel's curved blade enhances its cutting ability during slashes, inflicting greater damage. Additionally, its curvature allows it to bypass an enemy's shield and directly target vulnerable areas on the side or back. It can also be used to hook onto an opponent's shield or weapon, creating an opportunity for attack.
The double-edged design allows the Shotel to be used in both forward and reverse grips:
Forward grip (with the curved blade facing inward): Used for hooking, thrusting, and slashing.
Reverse grip (with the curved blade facing outward): Allows for wide sweeping slashes, similar to scimitar techniques.
Conclusion: The Historical Significance of Two Legendary Weapons
The Khopesh and Shotel were essential weapons for warriors in ancient Egypt and Ethiopia, respectively. Their unique designs and combat advantages played significant roles in their respective military histories. The Khopesh was pivotal during Egypt’s military reforms, while the Shotel became the hallmark weapon of the elite Aksumite warriors.
Although both weapons eventually fell out of active use, transforming into symbols of authority, their historical influence remains profound and continues to captivate military historians and weapon enthusiasts alike.
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