A Hebrew Inscription on the Polish Coronation Sword Cover Image

A Hebrew Inscription on the Polish Coronation Sword
A Hebrew Inscription on the Polish Coronation Sword

Author(s): Dagmara Budzioch, Maciej Tomal
Subject(s): Jewish studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: history; coronation sword; Szczerbiec; inscription

Summary/Abstract: The present article deals with the problem of the presumably Hebrew inscription on the coronation sword of Polish kings, known as the “Szczerbiec”. Our objective is not to recall or reconstruct the complexity of its history. It is rather to expose some elements of the sword’s bizarre haps and mishaps, as far as they may cast some light on the emergence of the inscription and its meaning. The main purpose of our attempt is to present one possible consistent reading of the inscription, taking into account some historical and linguistic data. Our proposal draws from some previous reconstructions, both past and current. Finally, however, we hope to offer an original interpretation of the inscription.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 8
  • Page Range: 39-47
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: English