The gladius, the primary weapon of the Roman legions, was used in many variations from the 4th century BC to the 3rd century AD. The Pompeii-type gladius is one of the latest versions of the Roman short sword. It was named by modern historians after the Italian archaeological site where the four canonical examples (dated to before 79 AD, the year of the devastating volcanic eruption of the Vesuvius which buried the city under several metres of ash) were found. The Pompeii gladius' shorter and broader double-edged blade facilitated close-quarters combat. Featuring straight, parallel cutting edges and a triangular tip, these gladii were primarily designed as thrusting/stabbing weapons, could however still be quite effective at cutting or slashing.
More informationProduct No: 6364
Period: Antiquity – ancient Greece, Rome and gladiators / Ancient weapons
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