Saying all of this, the Mainz and the Pompeii are the two main classification types and served side by side for many years and it was not uncommon to find 4th century legionaries carrying the earlier model. A large round ball at the end helps with the balance. The Romans used the gladius to deadly effect, teaching the soldiers to thrust, not cut. As found in Vegitius: They were likewise taught not to cut but to thrust with their swords.
For the Romans not only made a jest of those who fought with the edge of that weapon, but always found them an easy conquest. A stroke with the edges, though made with ever so much force, seldom kills, as the vital parts of the body are defended both by the bones and armor.
On the contrary, a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal. Besides in the attitude of striking, it is impossible to avoid exposing the right arm and side; but on the other hand, the body is covered while a thrust is given, and the adversary receives the point before he sees the sword.
This was the method of fighting principally used by the Romans, and their reason for exercising recruits with arms of such a weight at first was, that when they came to carry the common ones so much lighter, the greater difference might enable them to act with greater security and alacrity in time of action. Flavius Vegetius Renatus. Original Pompeii Gladius and scabbard parts from the former Guttman Collection click thumbnail to see larger photo.
Lockett detail from the "Guttmann Pompeii. Chape detail from the "Guttmann Pompeii. Soldier's name marked into the blade — detail from the Guttmann Pompeii. Tip detail on blade — from the Guttmann Pompeii. Tip detail on blade—from the "Guttmann Pompeii. Though it could be used in single combat and self-defense, the gladius was adopted by the Romans mainly because it was an effective weapon for organized combat. The legionaries generally carried a large, heavy shield, a pilum javelin , and sometimes plumbata basically large lawn darts along with their gladius.
The relatively light weight of the sword made carrying all this gear on the battlefield possible for the average soldier. The Roman formation consisted of three rows of legionaries each with about three feet or one meter of space per man. Each row was separated by about six feet or two meters. When closing with the enemy thepila and darts would be launched to breakdown the opposing formation. The gladius was then drawn and the enemy would be engaged with it.
The gladius was thrust between shields and an attempt was made to hit the torso of the enemy. The sword could also be employed with a hacking motion going as far as hacking off limbs. Soldiers were even trained to slice at an opponent's legs beneath his shield if this offered the only opening. Stabbing was a very efficient technique, as stabbing wounds, especially in the abdominal area, were almost always deadly. However, the gladius in some circumstances was used for cutting or slashing, as is indicated by Livy's account of the Macedonian Wars, wherein the Macedonian soldiers were horrified to see dismembered bodies.
Livy relates the story of Titus Manlius Torquatus accepting a challenge to a single combat by a large Gallic soldier at a bridge over the Anio river, where the Gauls and the Romans were encamped on opposite sides of the river. Manlius strapped on the Hispanic sword gladius Hispanus. During the combat he thrust twice with it under the shield of the Gaul, dealing fatal blows to the abdomen.
He then removed the Gaul's torc and placed it around his own neck, hence the name, torquatus. The combat occurred during the consulships of C. Sulpicius Peticus and C. Licinius Stolo — i. Ennius attests the word. Gladius may have replaced ensis , which in the literary periods was used mainly by poets. The exact origin of the gladius Hispanus is disputed. While it is likely that it descended ultimately from Celtic swords of the La Tene and Hallstat periods, no one knows if it descended directly from Celtiberian troops of the Punic Wars, or through Gallic troops of the Gallic Wars.
Arguments for the Celtiberian source of the weapon have been reinforced in recent decades by discovery of early Roman gladii that seem to highlight that they were copies of Celtiberian models. Today's blade smiths have the benefit of a couple thousand additional years of steel refining to help further develop their craft. The Capulus - is the swords hilt which could be very simple but often very ornate for Roman officers and dignitaries.
The pommel acts as a counter weight balancing the sword as well as prevents the wielders hand from sliding off the grip. Guard - is the swords hand guard fitted between the grip and the blade.
There were a few different styles of blade found on the gladius. The illustration is showing a typical mainz style blade. Ferro - is the point of the gladius blade used for thrusting. The gladius was capable of holding a very sharp edge. The Roman Gladius was most effective used in formation behind the protection of a Roman shield wall. The soldiers would interlock their shields scutum giving their opponents virtually no target to strike.
They would thrust beside or over the shields cutting down their enemies while the formation advanced. This sword was originally known as the Gladius Hispaniensis, or "Hispanic Sword. The Romans took the best ideas and different types of weapons from the nations that they conquered, making improvements and adjustments as required. The origins of the design of the gladius were Celtic. The word gladius acquired a general meaning as any type of sword.
Towards the end of the second century A. Roman Weapons. Roman Colosseum Home. This type of sword had a two-edged blade and a tapered point. The Gladius was the weapon after which the gladiator swordsman was named. Gladius Hilt The Roman sword had a solid, comfortable hilt capulus sometimes designed with ridges for the fingers.
The sword hilts of infantry officers were occasionally ornately decorated.
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