For Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, Factum Arte and Factum Foundation undertook a comprehensive reconstruction project of ancient weapons excavated in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, spanning over two millennia of technological development. Completed in 2025, this series of 17 replica weapons—from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age (c. 2000 BCE – 200 CE)—represents an intersection of digital preservation, experimental archaeology, and traditional metalworking craftsmanship.

The project centres on weapons that mark pivotal stages in the technological evolution of southeastern Arabia. Working from high-resolution 3D scans, archaeological research, and compositional analyses provided by Zayed National Museum, Factum Foundation's team produced detailed reconstructions that honour both the material integrity and the functional logic of the originals.

The collection includes:

• an iron sword with silver inlay; 
• five Bronze Age daggers 
• five Bronze Ages swords;
• a typological series of four lances and two throwing spears.

Each reconstruction followed evidence derived from the original artefacts themselves—matching alloy compositions, employing traditional forging and casting methods, and using locally sourced acacia wood as a period-appropriate substitute for Ghaf. The aim extended beyond visual accuracy to recreate the physical and mechanical properties that defined these weapons in their time.

Combining scientific analysis, digital modelling, and artisanal expertise, these reconstructions recover the material and functional intelligence of early metallurgy in the Emirates. They reveal how alloy composition, rivet patterns, and casting imperfections affected weapon balance, strength, and performance—transforming archaeological fragments into dynamic evidence of technological innovation and cultural identity in ancient Arabia.

Archaeological Evidence and Digital Modelling

Archaeological evidence was supplied by Dr Peter Magee (Director of Zayed National Museum), whose research provided the foundation for understanding the weapons' historical context and technological characteristics. High-resolution 3D scans and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses provided by the Museum allowed the creation of precise digital models that defined blade geometry, rivet placement, and alloy composition.

Irene Gaumé, Factum Arte's Digital Sculptor, led the digital modelling process, translating archaeological data into three-dimensional forms that could be tested and refined. Eduardo García, from Factum's 3D Modelling and Fabrication Team, developed production drawings that guided the fabrication process, ensuring technical accuracy whilst accommodating the constraints of contemporary metalworking.

Material Research and Alloy Testing

Experimental testing determined that an alloy of 97% copper and 3% tin most closely replicated Bronze Age casting behaviour. Alternative nickel alloys were tested but rejected due to poor flow characteristics and incomplete mould coverage—a finding that illuminated the sophisticated metallurgical knowledge of ancient Arabian smiths.

Prototype hilts and grips were 3D-printed in resin at Factum Arte's Madrid workshop to evaluate ergonomics and weight distribution. In several cases, multiple variants were produced for individual daggers before final selection, allowing the team to refine both aesthetic and functional qualities.

Casting, Forging and Assembly

Bronze and copper-alloy weapons were cast at Esfinge Foundry in Madrid using the lost-wax technique. The iron sword required a different approach: it was forged in Toledo from a single piece of 99% iron by swordsmiths Santiago Encinas and Julio Ramírez, with a silver-inlaid hilt based on metallurgical data extracted from the original scan.

Rivet patterns remaining in the original scans guided the reconstruction of guards and hilts. Native acacia wood provided handle inserts, serving as a sustainable and historically appropriate substitute for ghaf. Surfaces were patinated and polished to reflect patterns of wear consistent with archaeological finds, balancing historical authenticity with legibility as museum objects.

Typological Study: Lances and Throwing Spears

Beyond the four main reconstructions, the project expanded to include a broader typological study of 13 additional weapons—daggers, swords, lances, and throwing spears. Each piece was digitally modelled, 3D-printed, and cast in copper alloy based on its own material analysis.

Weight testing provided critical insight into function. Although many lance and spear tips share similar geometries, systematic measurement allowed functional differentiation: tips weighing below approximately 220 grams were identified as throwing spears, designed for long-range projection, whilst heavier examples (285–374 grams) were classified as lances for close combat by warriors on foot. This methodology transformed ambiguous archaeological fragments into evidence of tactical specialisation.

Documentation and Interpretation

A comprehensive booklet—designed by Blanca Nieto with introductory texts by Peter Magee and Adam Lowe—documented the research and fabrication process, featuring technical illustrations by Irene Gaumé and Eduardo García, and descriptive texts by Larissa van Moorsel and Irene Gaumé. A video by Oscar Parasiego, with renders by Jordi García Pons, was also produced to provide additional insight into the methodology.