Contents
The Gladius Sword of Ancient Rome is a double-edged sword used by the Roman legions. Gladius is the Roman term used to designate the sword. It had an approximate length of half a meter although they were also made to measure.
Roman soldiers were practical when it came to killing their enemies and plunging the tip of the gladius sword 5 centimeters into the opponent's body was enough to knock him down.
The Roman gladius were adapted from the short swords used by the Celtiberian mercenaries (gladius hispaniensis) in the service of Hannibal, during the Punic Wars.
They could also be used by slashing, which often did not serve much purpose since the enemy could wear a chain mail; If it was the case that they had to cut, they had a double edge.
The original Hispanic swords were measured for each person and made of high quality iron, which was treated in a special way, resulting in exceptional weapons.
The end of the use of this effective weapon, considered the best sword that has ever existed from a practical and strategic point of view, and the one that caused the most deaths in ancient times, was marked by the Middle Empire. The gladius was an improvement on the falcata due to the change in metal, which made it lighter.
The gladius sword is designed for quick thrust attacks. This was very practical, since the Roman legionary who carried the sword took cover behind a scutum; Once the enemy unnecessarily unleashed his blow on the Roman's shield or armor, or was preparing to do so, the Roman launched a quick thrust with his agile gladius, stabbing and killing the rival.
The gladius was replaced by the spatha, copied from the Germanic barbarians.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3_cgK3oYBg[/embedyt]
