Sagaris ( Sagara ; other Greek σαγαρις ) is a Persian ( Scythian , Saki ) bilateral battle ax, Scythian in origin. Herodotus , describing the right-handed Saks [1] , reports that
Saki, they are also Scythians, had straight pointed caps on their heads, they wore anaxirids, had local bows, daggers and ax-sagaria
- Herodotus . History (Book VII, Chapter 64).
This is not a traditional Persian weapon. However, it was widely used in the Middle East by Persian-dependent states and directly in the Persian army. The use of the ax by the Persians is mentioned by Herodotus at the Battle of Marathon (Callimachus died from it). Plutarch in the biography of Alexander mentions that the Macedonian king was almost killed with an ax by Persian Spyfriedates at the battle of Granik [2] .
Sagaris had a long, thin handle, an elongated blade with a heavy butt of a curved or pointed shape. They were very diverse, but it was a light weapon that could be used by both cavalry and infantry [3] . Being light enough to be used effectively with one hand, it was capable of breaking through a metal helmet or armor. By their appearance and application, sagaris resembles the later medieval coin-hatchets .