Проблемът с „махайрата“ от Софрониево

The sword from the village of Sofronievo, Vratsa region, has long been accepted as the earliest representative of the makhaira type swords in Thrace. However, a re-examination of this weapon reveals significant discrepancies with its initial interpretation. Analysis of archival data and direct observation of the artifact show that the “handle” is actually a type III3B cross-shaped axe (according to Wesse’s typology), which was incorrectly identified as the handle of the blade found in the same complex. This interpretation was probably suggested because the working edge of the axe is also damaged, as can be seen in the photograph in the original publication. For this reason, the axe was later attached (welded) to the blade of the sword during the subsequent restoration. Furthermore, the discrepancies between the original publication of the weapon and its current condition indicate that the interventions made were not adequately documented. A comparative analysis with similar artefacts suggests that the blade is more like the swords of the Basarabi type. These observations require a reassessment of the find and its place in the classification of Thracian offensive weapons. The incorrect interpretation of the sword from Sofronievo highlights the importance of critical rethinking of previously published materials and their significance for refining the typology and chronology of Iron Age weapons in Thrace