Bronze swords were indeed effective weapons during their time, particularly in the Bronze Age. While bronze is not as strong or durable as iron or steel, it still possessed several advantages that made it a viable material for crafting swords:

1. Strength and Durability: Though not as hard as iron or steel, bronze was still a durable material that could withstand the forces of combat. Bronze swords were effective against other bronze or early iron weapons commonly used during the Bronze Age.
2. Sharpness: Bronze could be sharpened to a fine edge, allowing bronze swords to deliver lethal cuts and stab wounds to enemies.
3. Flexibility: Bronze has a degree of flexibility that can be advantageous in combat. It allowed the sword to absorb and distribute the force of impacts, making it less prone to shattering compared to more brittle materials.
4. Availability: During the Bronze Age, bronze was more readily available than iron or steel, which required more advanced smelting techniques. This accessibility made bronze swords more accessible to various cultures and societies.

It is worth noting that as ironworking techniques developed, iron swords gradually replaced bronze swords due to the superior strength and durability of iron. However, bronze swords remained effective weapons during their era and played a significant role in shaping warfare and societal development.