Eastern European sheath-ends during the Final Bronze Age and the beginning of the Early Iron Age

Abstract Sheath-ends are poorly represented in works regarding weaponry of the Cimmerian period (10th–7th century BC), despite forming an important component, particularly among the melee weapons of the time. There are several reasons for this neglect: until recently, the number of known sheath-ends was quite small, thus making it impossible to speak of types, variants or cultural affiliations; also, most of the previously published sheath-ends are spread over a large territory and were published many decades ago. Therefore, some of them may be unknown to researchers due to the age of publications, as well as linguistic and cultural barriers. Over the past few years, a larger number of new sheath-ends has emerged. Some of them belong to previously known types, others are completely new. Their analysis is here conducted using the comparative method. The total number of sheath-ends now known makes it possible to begin a discussion about their types, chronology and origins, which will undoubtedly develop as new finds appear.