12th century sword embedded in Tuscan stone verified genuine by material analysis. Tests confirm the sword is consistent with a late 12th century weapon with no modern alloys Ground penetrating radar found a hidden cavity 2m by 1m beneath the stone, possibly a grave Chemist Luigi Garlicelli of University of Pavia drilled into the rock and confirmed the exposed and hidden blade portions are the same weapon
Tests confirm a sword in Montesiepi Chapel, Italy dates to the 12th century with no modern alloys. A chemist drilled through rock proving exposed and hidden blade portions are one weapon. The blade allegedly belonged to Galgano Guidotti, a Tuscan knight born 1148 who drove it into stone during conversion. Scholars theorize the sword-in-stone legend, first written around 1200, may have traveled from Italy to England. Ground penetrating radar found a hidden cavity beneath the stone, possibly a grave.
Key Facts
- Tests confirm the sword is consistent with a late 12th century weapon with no modern alloys
- Ground penetrating radar found a hidden cavity 2m by 1m beneath the stone, possibly a grave
- Chemist Luigi Garlicelli of University of Pavia drilled into the rock and confirmed the exposed and hidden blade portions are the same weapon
- The sword belongs to Galano Giati, a Tuscan knight born in 1148 who reportedly drove it into stone during a religious conversion
- The first written account of Arthur pulling a sword from stone appears around 1200, decades after Galano's death in 1181
- One of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table has a strikingly similar name to Galano, leading some scholars to suggest the legend may have traveled from Italy to England
Related site: Crwys Hall English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Monthermer Road, Cathays, Cardiff — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Sword of Razors: 5 Ancient Swords That Can't Be Explained by Dark5 Ancient Mysteries