L’épée et le fourreau de la tombe aristocratique d’Altrier

Abstract:

Results of an emergency excavation conducted in 1971, the sword and scabbard from the aristocratic tomb of Altrier in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg had, until now, not received any detailed attention. Beyond a general overview of the excavation and the research conducted since then, the question of the presence of a sword within such an elite context in Luxembourg at the beginning of the Late Iron Age is reconsidered in light of data derived from surrounding contexts. Finally, new technical observations now allow us to revisit the chronological issue. As it stands, and pending further information from complementary analyses that are now justified, it appears plausible that the sword/scabbard assembly was crafted no earlier than the very end of the 5th century.