The goal of this paper is to offer, apart from a typological and contextual approach to, and aspects of use, a fresh look at one of the most interesting types of Middle Bronze Age swords. Attention is drawn once more to a small group of exquisite finds, the Sombor–Smolenice type swords which were decisive in the development of the flange-hilted swords (Griffzungenschwerter). This kind of weapon had a remarkable role in the Tumulus culture and its origin can be dated back to the Middle Bronze Age (BrB2). The Sombor–Smolenice type swords are clearly distinguished from the other sword shapes of the period by their rudimentary tang, representing the earliest swords with a tang for attaching the hilt in extra-Aegean South-eastern and Central Europe. The geographical distribution of finds shows a scattered pattern, from Romania, Serbia (Vojvodina), Hungary, and Slovakia to northern Italy and Germany (lower Bavaria), suggesting certain communication routes. Traces of manufacture and subsequent treatment observable on bronze artefacts provide important information about their origin and manufacturing techniques. This paper is not limited to the use of this type of swords as a weapon but it also takes into account their other functions, association with other weapons and social role.
Anđelka Putica (Thu,) studied this question.