Subject: miles heavy infantry legionary
Culture: imperial Roman
Setting: Julio-Claudian/Flavian dynasties, early Roman empire 27BC-AD96
Object: gladius sword
* Windlass Steelcrafts
* Purpleheart Armoury
* Royal Armouries Museum > War Gallery
"Sword blade (gladius) and scabbard mounts This Roman sword, or gladius, is of 'Pompeii type' (named after an example found at Pompeii) and the blade bears the name of its owner, a legionary, Caius Valerius Primus.
"The parallel two-edged blade, with reinforced tip, was primarily designed for thrusting at close quarters, and illustrates the quote: Puncta duas uncias adacta mortalis est 'A stab wound wo inches deep is fatal.' Vegetius
"Swords, like this, were used by infantry legions and normally wlrn high on the right-side so as to be clear of the legs. The wooden sheath, originally covered in leather, has decayed but the tinned bronze scabbard mounts survive. These include two decorated panels, the upper showing a helmeted warrior (Mars?) holding spear and shield, and the lower a winged Victory writing on a shield.
"This type of sword, dating from the second half of the 1st century AD, was probably used into the early 2nd century, and throughout the Roman Empire, including Britain. The blade powerfully evokes the might of the Empire: 'they make a desert and call it peace.' Tacitus
"The Roman conquest of Britain began in 43 AD, under the Emperor Claudius, and was completed in 85 AD. This period included the revolt of Boudicca in 61AD, during the reign of Nero (54-68 AD). Hadrian's Wall was built later in 122 AD.
"Roman, second half of 1st century AD Discovered at Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1972." ....
Royal Armouries Museum > War Gallery *
"Replica gladius and scabbard The accompanying replica sword and scabbard ...
show what the sword would have looked like when complete with grip and leather covered scabbard."
