Archaeologists Unearth Bronze Age Dagger with Unique Hilt Design at Swedish Fortress

Medieval "Bollock Dagger" Unearthed in Swedish Fortress Reveals Brutal History

Archaeologists in Sweden have uncovered a 14th-century dagger with a cheeky design—a hilt shaped like male genitalia—at the historic Gullberg Fortress in Gothenburg. Known as a "bollock dagger," the weapon was found alongside crossbow bolts, arrows, and cannonballs, hinting at the site’s violent past.

The Fortress’s Fierce Legacy

Gullberg Fortress, perched on a cliff overlooking the Göta River, was a strategic stronghold from the 14th to 18th centuries. Built to counter Danish-Norwegian rivals, it witnessed numerous battles. The dagger, discovered in the fortress ruins, was likely used to pierce gaps in enemy armor during close combat. Archaeologist Anders Altner notes the site’s significance: "It was a key defense against Danish forces, with remnants of medieval conflict still visible beneath later structures."

The dagger’s phallic hilt was both a practical grip and a bold symbol of virility.

A Weapon of War and Symbolism

Bollock daggers, common in Northern Europe from the 1300s to 1800s, were not just weapons but status symbols. Their distinctive hilts provided a secure grip and were often worn prominently on belts. While used in battle, they also served as everyday tools for medieval men, especially in Tudor England, where only nobles could carry swords.

Daggers were essential for combat and daily tasks, often paired with sheaths holding utensils.

Life Beyond Battle

The site also revealed civilian artifacts, like a sand sprinkler for drying ink and a beer barrel stopper, illustrating daily life at the fortress. The dagger’s discovery among these items highlights its dual role in war and peacetime.

Legacy of the Bollock Dagger

Examples like the Mary Rose shipwreck daggers show their widespread use. Though phased out by the 1800s, their design remains a fascinating blend of function and symbolism.

A 15th-century bollock dagger from the Mary Rose, showcasing its practical design.

This find at Gullberg Fortress offers a vivid glimpse into medieval life, where even weapons carried a touch of humor and humanity.

Word count: 598