The Sword of Goujian: A Legendary Weapon from Ancient China

The Sword of Goujian: A Legendary Weapon from Ancient China

The Sword of Goujian is one of the most remarkable artifacts from ancient China. It is a bronze sword that dates back to the Spring and Autumn period (771-403 BC), a time of political turmoil and cultural flourishing in Chinese history. The sword is named after Goujian, the king of Yue, who is famous for his perseverance and humility in the face of adversity. The sword was discovered in 1965 in a tomb near Jingzhou, Hubei province, along with a human skeleton and other relics. The sword amazed the archaeologists with its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate design, and astonishing preservation. Despite being buried in a waterlogged tomb for over 2,000 years, the sword was almost untarnished and still sharp enough to cut paper.To get more news about sword of goujian, you can visit shine news official website.

The sword of Goujian is 55.6 centimeters long, with an 8.4-centimeter hilt. The blade is made of copper and tin, with a higher tin content along the edges to enhance its hardness and sharpness. The blade has a rhombic cross-section and a double-edged design. Both sides of the blade are decorated with a repeating pattern of dark lines that resemble rhombuses. The guard is inlaid with blue crystals and turquoise, creating a striking contrast with the golden hue of the bronze. The hilt is wrapped with silk cords and has a ring pommel at the end.

The most intriguing feature of the sword is the inscription on one side of the blade. It consists of eight characters written in an ancient script called bird-worm seal script, a variant of seal script that is characterized by its intricate and ornamental strokes. The inscription reads: “King of Yue made this sword for his personal use”. However, two of the characters are unclear and have been interpreted as the name of the king. After much debate among scholars, it was agreed that the sword belonged to Goujian, who ruled Yue from 496 to 465 BC.

Goujian was one of the most legendary figures in Chinese history. He was the king of Yue, a small state in southeastern China that was constantly threatened by its powerful neighbor, Wu. In 494 BC, Goujian was defeated by Wu and captured by its king, Fuchai. He was forced to serve as Fuchai’s slave for three years, enduring humiliation and hardship. He never gave up his hope of revenge and secretly plotted his escape. He pretended to be loyal to Fuchai and won his trust. He also bribed Fuchai’s minister, Fan Li, to help him return to Yue. Once he regained his freedom, he devoted himself to strengthening his army and improving his people’s welfare. He lived a frugal life and ate bitter food to remind himself of his past suffering. He also ordered his soldiers to sleep on straw mats and taste gallbladder to inspire them to be brave and resilient.

In 482 BC, Goujian launched a surprise attack on Wu and defeated its army. He then besieged its capital for three years until Fuchai committed suicide in 478 BC. Goujian thus avenged his humiliation and became the ruler of both Yue and Wu. He expanded his territory and influence and became one of the most powerful kings in China. He died in 465 BC and was buried with his sword and other treasures.

The sword of Goujian is a symbol of Goujian’s spirit and legacy. It reflects his determination, courage, wisdom, and humility. It also showcases the high level of metallurgy, artistry, and culture in ancient China. The sword is currently displayed at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, where it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is regarded as a national treasure and a masterpiece of ancient Chinese civilization.