Hwandudaedo

The Hwandudaedo is a type of ancient Korean sword from the Three Kingdoms of Korea era [ [http://www.solarnavigator.net/history/swords.htm Swords] ] (2nd half of the 1st century B.C.) [http://www.arscives.com/historysteel/koreanarticle.htm Korean Swords Article] ] The Hwandudaedo, a type of "Sohwandudaedo", were decorated swords first seen in the south with a folded blade and a ring pommel. "Hwandudaedo" were first signs of a ruler's power up until the end of the fourth century, and soon became limited to personal possession rather than use as a weapon. Because they spread to the lower class in the fifth century, they have been excavated throughout the country, and in various tombs and of the ruling class.

The "hwandudaedo" were large military swords made for battle, as it had a thick back and sharpened blade. [ [http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/eng/info_db/cul/cul_detail.jsp?seqno=333 KNTO Cultural Facilities] ]

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