The Islamic Origins of the “Excalibur” Sword found in Valencia!

Photo Credit: The Archaeology Service (SIAM) of the Valencia City Council

Valencia, with its rich history dating back to Roman times, holds secrets buried beneath its ancient streets. One such discovery, the "Excalibur" sword, has recently shed light on its Islamic origins, tracing back to the 10th century AD.

Intriguingly, Valencia's story begins with its Roman foundation in 138 BC, evolving through the conquest by the Moors in the 8th century AD. Under Moorish rule, the city flourished as "Madînat al-Turâb," meaning "city of earth" or "sand." However, its narrative took a turn when Abd al-Rahman I of the Umayyad dynasty razed it to the ground.

Fast forward to 1994, when a remarkable discovery was made on Historiador Chabàs Street. Beneath the remnants of an Islamic-era dwelling, archaeologists unearthed a sword in a grave. This artifact, dubbed "Excalibur" for its mythical allure, unveiled its secrets slowly.

Crafted from iron with a hilt adorned by bronze plates, the sword measured 46 centimetres in length, featuring a subtly curved blade towards the tip. Such finds are rare, given the soil's propensity for oxidation due to oxygen and water levels, preserving few relics from this era.

Contrary to the legendary tales of King Arthur and his sword, this Excalibur belonged to a cavalryman from the Andalusian Caliphate Era. Its presence marks the first Islamic sword discovered in Valencia, with a similar specimen found during excavations of Medina Azahara, the caliphal city of Abd al-Rahman III, in Córdoba.

This revelation underscores the multicultural history woven into Valencia. It helps us reflect on the diverse influences that have shaped the city's identity over the centuries.