Roman Short Sword (Gladius)

Product Description: This 9cm long reproduction of a Roman Short Sword or Gladius is made from lead-free pewter. It is supplied with a full-colour information card that has images of Roman soldiers and gladiators on the front. There is also historical information which explains what the Gladius was and how it was used. The sword, held in place, and card are supplied in a clear presentation box.

Information: The Gladius was the primary sword of ancient Roman foot soldiers and was also used by Roman gladiators.

The "classical" Roman short sword was a double-bladed weapon thought to be of Spanish origin. It had a blade between 50-60cm long and about 5cm wide. The blade was generally made of iron with the handle normally consisting of three pieces, the rounded hilt, a grip with four finger ridges and a bulbous pommel.

A Roman foot soldier, called a legionary, generally led with his shield and thrust with his gladius. Due to its smaller size the gladius was ideal for close quarters fighting where larger swords would be difficult to use.

The gladiator was generally a slave, or more rarely a free or paid volunteer, who fought as an armed combatant in arenas or amphitheatres.