Charlemagne's Joyeuse sword assembled from parts spanning 9 centuries. Joyeuse was used in 25 French coronations, the last in 1825 Charlemagne died in 814 AD and the sword then vanished for over 400 years The sword resurfaced in 1271 at Reims Cathedral for Philip the Bold's coronation
Charlemagne's coronation sword Joyeuse vanished for over 400 years after his death in 814 AD, resurfacing in 1271 for a French king's coronation at Reims Cathedral. Louvre analysis reveals the pommel dates 900-1100 AD, crossguard 1100-1200 AD, grip 1200-1400 AD, blade 17th-900 AD. An inscription beneath the crossguard records the sword's weight in medieval currency, suggesting the sword was pawned. Used in 25 coronations, last in 1825. ⚜️ [09:56-12:58]
Key Facts
- Joyeuse was used in 25 French coronations, the last in 1825
- Charlemagne died in 814 AD and the sword then vanished for over 400 years
- The sword resurfaced in 1271 at Reims Cathedral for Philip the Bold's coronation
- Modern Louvre analysis shows the pommel dates to 900-1100 AD, crossguard 1100-1200 AD, grip 1200-1400 AD, and blade 17-900 AD
- An inscription beneath the crossguard records the sword's weight in medieval currency, suggesting it was pawned
- The blade supposedly contains a fragment of the Holy Lance that pierced Christ
Related site: Musée du Louvre — 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