Metal sickle sword featuring an inscription of the Middle Assyrian king, Adad-nirari I (1307 – 1275 BCE). The text appears on both sides of the blade and along its noncutting edge. Curved swords in Mesopotamian art acted as notable symbols of royal authority, and often appear in the hands of deities and kings. Adad-nirari likely used this sword for ceremonial purposes and not actual combat.

“Palace of Adad-nīrārī, king of the universe, son of Arik-den-ili, king of Assyria, son of Enlil-nīrārī, king of Assyria.”