Gladius Pompeii with Scabbard

Reconstruction of a legionnaire’s gladius found in Pompeii. Parts of it are displayed in Naples National Archaeological Museum today. Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried after the catastrophic eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in the year 79 AD. 4 to 6 metres of ash did not only cover the city but preserve it for nearly two thousand years before its rediscovery. Its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight in life during the Roman Empire. More information...