A Merovingian Spatha from Mannheim

Abstract

For the exhibition »Wilde Völker an Rhein und Neckar: Franken im frühen Mittelalter« in Mannheim, the spatha of a 6th century rider was restored and conserved. The object description is complemented by X-rays images and CT
scans. SEM-EDX studies on the pommel made of silver indicate remains of fire gilding and niello inlays. The materials and techniques used classify the spatha as a product of the early Middle Ages.