The word Makhaira in Greek means to fight. The Makhaira is usually a large knife with a blade that extends backward. This terminology can mean any type of bladed weapon, such as a knife or an Ancient Greece Sword. However in Martial terminology it refers to a curved sword with just one edge. The Makhaira and the Kopis are similar, the only difference is the shift of the blade. There is not just one size of shape of this sword available.
And contrary to popular belief, this isn’t just a weapon that is used in Greece. Persian as well as Lacedaemonian Troops used this weapon as well. Persian Archives reveal that their main Infantry Battle Sword was straight like the Xiphos was. Xenophon mentions that the Ancient Greek Xiphos Sword was more mainstream among the Ancient Greek Armies. He also thought that the Makhiara was more effective for Calvary attacks.
Arming Calvary Troops with Swords With Curved Blades became common doctrine through the years. Xenophon’s philosophy combined with Greek Art basically says that the Sword he had his Calvary use was wider than the recent Sabre. It was designed a lot more like one of the Ancient Greek Swords such as the Falchion. A Sabre is one type of backsword that typically, but not always, has a single edged, curvy sword blade.
The Greek Common Dialect of the New Testament or Koine refers to the Makhiara as a general term meaning any type of sword. This term doesn’t denote any differentiation between Greek Sword Blades or the Gladius that the Roman Soldiers used. These weapons in most cases were used by the Hoplites and the Spartans. The Hoplite served in Ancient Greek City States as a citizen and a soldier. Ancient Greek Warfare was usually between various independent nations. The Hoplite was supposed to solve this dilemma.