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Tutankhamun's Meteoric Iron Dagger (wikipedia.org)
85 points by drdee on Nov 15, 2022 | hide | past | favorite | 12 comments



I've learn this while playing AC:Origins, interesting piece of equipment. I cannot imagine the charm created around a weapon `sent from sky` at that time.


I mean if you are Tutankhamun and have access to high-level wizards and priests: You have them cast Meteor Swarm at your enemies, collect the loot, and even make yourself a nice knife from a piece of the meteor as a shiny souvenir that you can wear to instill fear and respect.


A battle in The Third Mithridatic War was interrupted by a meteorite, according to Plutarch. Armies of both sides, being a superstitious bunch, decided to stop fighting.

> The clouds split, the sun was covered in an inorganic manner, and a meteor careened from the atmosphere towards the ground.


"These blades are ... frequently referred to as the stars." They were knowledgable and romantic.


Imagine the honor of being stabbed or having your throat slit by such a blade.


I'll just take a handshake instead, thanks.





This seems to be smelting rather than meteoric, but it won't let me read the full article.


Also of interest: Widmanstätten patterns.

You'll see it on some ancient meteoric iron work. Looks pretty cool.


Another extraordinary ancient Egyptian knife: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gebel_el-Arak_Knife

Not made from a space rock, but nevertheless incredible craftsmanship from more than 5000 years ago.




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