Khopesh (ḫpš; also vocalized khepesh) is the Egyptian name of the Canaanite “sickle-sword”, in Assyrian known as sappara. Its origins can be traced back to Sumer of the third millennium BCE.

A typical khopesh is 50–60 cm (20–24 inches) in length, though smaller examples do also exist. This blade was designed for hooking an opponent’s shield or disarming them.These weapons changed from bronze to iron in the late period.

The blade is only sharpened on the outside portion of the curved end. The khopesh evolved from the epsilon or similar crescent shaped axes that were used in warfare.Note, however, that the khopesh is not an axe. Unlike an axe, the khopesh did not make push-cuts, but rather slashes, like a sabre. The khopesh went out of use around 1300 BCE. However, in the 196 BC Rosetta Stone it is referenced as the “sword” determinative in a hieroglyphic block.