



Roman sword type gladius leather sheath


September 2 Gladius fantastic to hang


Gladius Pompeii with scabbard


Roman Legionary Sword S. I AD


Gladius Pompeii with scabbard


Roman sword Gladius Mainz with scabbard, 1st century BC


Gladius Pompeii with scabbard and belt

Gladiator sword, Roman period, 1st century AD


Roman sword in bronze
The Gladius Sword and the Roman Spatha were the most well-known and feared swords of the Roman legions. The Gladius Sword is a short sword, with a double-edged blade, and designed for close combat as it allowed for quick and accurate thrusts. The Gladius began to be used in the 3rd century aC and is defined by master armorers as the best bladed weapon from a practical and strategic point of view.
The Cavalry Spatha was the evolution of the Gladius . It began to be used at the end of the 2nd century dC and was somewhat longer with a wider, double-edged blade. In addition to legionaries, it was also used by gladiators. It is believed that it was an even more effective weapon than the gladius and that is why it came to replace it, although there are also those who believe that changes in military strategies led to the change to a somewhat longer sword such as the Spatha.