Etymology
Several theories on the origins of the term "Damascus steel" exist, but none of them may be confirmed definitively. Damascus may refer to:
- The swords forged in Damascus. For instance, al-Kindi refers to swords made in Damascus as Damascene. This word has often been employed as an epithet in Eastern European legends (Sabya Damaskinya or Sablja Dimiskija meaning "Damascene saber"), including the Serbian and Bulgarian legends of Prince Marko, a historical figure of the late 14th century in what is currently the Republic of Macedonia.
- The swords sold in Damascus.
- The name of the swordsmith. For instance, the author al-Beruni refers to swords made by a man he names Damashqi.
- The comparison of the patterns found on the swords to Damask fabrics woven in the Byzantine empire.
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Famous quotes containing the word etymology:
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