Scythian battle iron Akinakes (Acinaces) Sword, 200-600 BC, Northern Black Sea region Ancient iron battle Scythian short sword or dagger: akinakes, acinaces, akinaka. The flattened handle with lobed (Butterfly) guard and double-loop pommel, often called "antenna" pommel. Material: iron; The total length: 378 mm = 14.88 inches; Blade width: 32 mm = 1.53 inches; Weight: 383 gram. The acinaces, also spelled akinakes (Greek ἀκῑνάκης) or akinaka (unattested Old Persian *akīnakah, Sogdian kynʼk) is a type of dagger or short sword used mainly in the first millennium BC in the eastern Mediterranean region, especially by the Medes,[1] Scythians and Persians, then by the Greeks.[2] The acinaces is of Scythian origin, but was made famous by the Persians, and rapidly spread throughout the ancient world. The Romans believed this weapon originated with the Medes.[2] The acinaces is typically 40–60 cm. (14-18 in.) in length and double-edged,[2] and although there is no universal design, the guard may be lobed[3] with the hilt resembling that of a bollock dagger, or the pommel may be split[4] or of the "antenna" type.[5] The scabbard as much as anything else defines the acinaces and usually has a large decorative mount near the opening allowing it to be suspended from a belt on the wearer's right side.[6][2]