The kopis (6th-5th century BC), a short, single-edged sword, is one of the most iconic swords of antiquity, a true symbol of Greco-Italic weaponry. Its name derives from the Greek kopto, “to strike, to cut.” This name perfectly reflects the weapon’s function: to inflict devastating blows with a broad, curved blade, capable of combining power and precision. Some scholars instead connect the term to the Egyptian khopesh, a similarly shaped sword, evidence of cultural contact between the eastern Mediterranean and the Greek world.
The kopis originated in Epirus, between Greece and Illyria, and from there spread to Greece, Macedonia, and Italy. In Italy, the first examples appear as early as the 6th century BC, among the Picene culture of the Marche, confirming the intense commercial and cultural exchange between the two shores of the Adriatic. Over time, the kopis became one of the most common weapons throughout the peninsula: from Umbria to Etruria, from Lazio to Campania, and even southern Italy.
Iconography sometimes shows us tools similar to this sword used as butcher’s tools or to carve large fish—giving us a good idea of its effect on the battlefield.
Over time, two main variants developed. On the one hand, the Hellenistic kopis, with a straighter blade and widespread in Magna Graecia. On the other, the Italic kopis, with a more pronounced curve, designed for even more powerful blows.
Some models could reach up to 90 cm in length, suggesting its use by cavalry as well. Nevertheless, the kopis was not exclusively a weapon of horsemen: numerous Etruscan and Italic depictions show infantrymen wielding it in battle.
Res Bellica offers a faithful reproduction of the kopis, crafted with high-quality materials and accurate historical research. Perfect for reenactors, collectors, and ancient history enthusiasts, this sword combines the elegance of Greek design with the strength of Italic warriors. A true testament to the connection between art, technique, and martial tradition of the ancient world.
To learn more about the kopis, check out this video by our colleague and scholar Gioal Canestrelli.
