As offensive weapons, daggers and swords are shaped in the main by fighting styles. However, they were always status symbols as well. Lavishly designed with precious materials, they represented the self-image of warrior castes and military leaders. This is evidenced by Neolithic fishtail daggers of outstanding craftsmanship, as well as by magnificently decorated Frankish gold-hilted spathae. Volume 6 of this successful series is dedicated to one...