Discovery
In 1965, during an archaeological survey near the Zhang River Reservoir in Hubei, China, a series of ancient tombs were unearthed in Jiangling County. Among the artifacts discovered was an ornate bronze sword found inside a casket alongside a human skeleton. The casket, located at the Wangshan site, contained the sword sheathed in a wooden scabbard finished in black lacquer. Despite being submerged in underground water for over 2,000 years, the blade remained almost untarnished.

Identification
The sword bears an inscription in an ancient script known as Bird-worm seal script. Deciphering the text revealed that it was made for personal use by the King of Yue (越王). After extensive debate among archaeologists and scholars, it was concluded that the original owner was Goujian, the King of Yue, known for his resilience during challenging times.

Construction
The Sword of Goujian measures 55.6 centimeters (21.9 inches) in length, including an 8.4-centimeter (3.3-inch) hilt. Its blade, 4.6 centimeters (1.8 inches) wide at the base, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and durability. Even today, this ancient sword can effortlessly cut through 20 sheets of paper, a testament to its enduring sharpness and quality.