AN ANCIENT sword mislabelled as "medieval" was actually made around 5,000 years ago, experts claim.

The well-aged weapon is one of the world's oldest swords, and originates from northeastern Turkey.

5 This could be one of the world's oldest swords Credit: Andrea Avezzu / University of Venice

It was "rediscovered" in a museum on the Saint Lazarus Island, Venice.

The sword had been contained in a cabinet as part of a medieval collection.

But a local PhD student and ancient weapons expert examined it and discovered its true origins.

And it ranks among the oldest swords ever discovered.

5

5 The sword is similar to those that have been found in the ancient Turkish city of Arslantepe Credit: Wikipedia

Experts think that the sword was most likely used as an offensive weapon – but may have also served ceremonial purposes.

It's also possible that the sword was involved in a burial ritual.

The sword was being held at the Armenian Monastery of Venice, on a small island in the Venetian Lagoon.

It was being display alongside medieval items, but Vittoria Dall’Armellina of the Università Ca' Foscari realised it looked older.

Instead, the sword looked much more similar to those from Arslantepe – the site of an ancient city, in modern-day Turkey.

But this particular relic comes from the ancient city of Trebizond, Turkey.

Swords from Arslantepe date back to around 3,000 BC, which is the very beginning of the Bronze Age.

But unlike other Arslantepe weapons, this arsenical copper creation isn't decorated and has no visible inscriptions.

That could indicate that it was potentially an early work from the site.

5 The sword was labelled as 'medieval' for years, but ancient weapons expert Vittoria Dall’Armellina uncovered the truth Credit: Andrea Avezzu / University of Venice

5 The sword was being displayed at the Armenian Monastery of Venice, or San Lazzaro degli Armeni Credit: Università Ca' Foscari Venezia

Arslantepe – what is it? Here's what you need to know... Arslantepe is an archaeological site near Malatya, Turkey

It's believed to be the location of the ancient city of Melid, on the Tohma River

The earliest habitation at the site dates back to the Copper Age

The word Arslantepe means "hill of lions"

Just over 5,000 years ago, the site had grown to include a large temple or palace complex

And in the Late Bronze Age, the site became an administrative centre for a larger region in the Isuwa kingdom

It was heavily fortified to protect against the threat of Hittite invasion

Melid prospered until the city was sacked by the Assyrians in 712BC

The city declined and was eventually abandoned, but was rediscovered in the early 20th century by archaeologists

Melid is known for producing the first swords known in the Early Bronze Age

The sword is believed to have travelled from Trebizond, Turkey to Venice in the second-half of the 19th century.

That's according to a note in an envelope that came with the sword.

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What do you make of this ancient artefact? Let us know in the comments!

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