Archaeologists have discovered a 3,300-year-old sword at the bottom of a lake in Italy. Despite remaining undisturbed for more than 3,000 years, its blade is still remarkably sharp.

The exceptionally well-preserved weapon, which dates back to around 1300 BC, was found during an underwater excavation at Mezzano, a small volcanic lake, according to the Daily Mail.

Experts believe the sword may have been deliberately placed there as part of a ritual offering, a practice already associated with several Bronze Age archaeological sites across Europe. The discovery was announced by the Archaeological, Fine Arts and Landscape Superintendency for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria.

“The object, which is preserved in excellent condition and still has a sharp blade, makes an important contribution to our understanding of the communities that frequented the lake basin more than 3,000 years ago. Its typological and chronological characteristics place the sword firmly within the context of weapon production in central Italy during the Late Bronze Age, demonstrating the level of metallurgical expertise achieved by communities of the period,” the announcement said.

The sword is the third to have been discovered at the site in the past 50 years, further reinforcing the area’s reputation as an archaeological treasure trove.

Experts believe that the lake was once home to a thriving Bronze Age settlement, built on wooden stilts above the water. The latest excavation also uncovered intact vessels and a hoard of bronze objects, including axes, daggers, spearheads and a razor.

Experts were particularly struck by the sword’s position next to a bronze razor, as similar combinations have been found in tombs and among the personal possessions of elite Bronze Age warriors elsewhere in Europe.

“In this context, bronze weapons were not merely instruments of combat, but also symbols of status, identity and power,” they said.