Editing Scabbard (section)

==Antiquity==
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[[File:Bronzen plaatje schedebeslag ValkenburgZH 196014 RMO Leiden.jpg|thumb|Bronze scabbard fitting from a Roman gladius, {{Circa|40-250 AD}}]]
Scabbards have at least been around since the [[Bronze Age]], and are thought to have existed as long as the blade has.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Scabbard · Medieval London Objects · Medieval London |url=https://medievallondon.ace.fordham.edu/exhibits/show/medieval-london-objects/scabbard |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=medievallondon.ace.fordham.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-16 |title=Treasure Trove of Bronze Age Weapons and Artifacts Discovered in Scotland |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a25266/archaeological-find-scotland/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}}</ref> Wooden scabbards were typically covered in fabric or leather; the leather versions also usually bore metal or leather fittings for added protection and carrying ease.<ref name=":0" /> All-metal scabbards were popular items for a display of wealth among elites in the European [[Iron Age]], and often intricately decorated. Little is known about the scabbards of the early Iron Age, due to their wooden construction. However, during the Middle and late Iron Ages, the scabbard became important especially as a vehicle for decorative elaboration and social status. After 200 BC fully decorated scabbards became rare, but in their lesser extent existed well into the Medieval period.<ref name=":0" /><ref>How Ancient Europeans Saw The World p115,125 by Peter Wells</ref> 

A number of ancient scabbards have been recovered from [[weapons sacrifice]]s, a few of which had a lining of fur on the inside.<ref>p266 & p282 Lars Jorgensen et al. 2003 ''The spoils of Victory - The north in the shadow of the Roman Empire'' Nationalmuseet (National Museum of Denmark)</ref> The fur was probably kept oily, keeping the blade free from rust. The fur would also allow a smoother, quicker draw, and protect the blade.<ref name=":0" /> In [[classical antiquity]], Greek scabbards often had ornamental metal fittings, characteristic of the Iron Age.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scabbards and Sword Holders Archives |url=https://www.medievalware.com/shop/accessories/scabbards/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Medieval Ware |language=en-US}}</ref> The Roman army used scabbards to a great extent with short [[baldric]]s, carrying their swords quite high up.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Carriage of Weapons |url=http://www.romanarmy.net/artweapons.shtml |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=www.romanarmy.net}}</ref>

Japanese blades typically have their sharp cutting edge protected by a wooden scabbard called a [[Japanese sword mountings#Saya|saya]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samurai |date=2017-11-19 |title=Saya - Traditional Katana Scabbared |url=https://samuraiswords.store/saya/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Samurai Swords Store |language=en-US}}</ref>