Development Of Weapons And Armour Of Romans

[caldrail]

The Gladiat (I think thats what they call those devastating little swords) is regarded by experts as the most efficient sword ever. I have also heard it called a 'Spanish Short Sword'. Is this because it was originally used by a Spanish tribe? When did the Romans 'lend' the idea?

 

Do you mean Gladius? They were extremely efficient, a gladius in the hands of a trained Legionary was more than likely the most deadly sword in history.

 

The gladius was originally from Spain, or at least, something similar was developed in Spain and in typical Roman fashion, the Legions adapted it for their own use.

 

The gladius was developed from swords used by their spanish enemies. The original 'spanish sword', the gladius hispaniensis, had a leaf-shaped blade with a seriously long point. It was then developed into a straight sided blade, then the 'pompeii' pattern with a shorter point. Originally the use of the gladius was very strictly in a thrusting motion. Later, during the principate, we find the gladius is being swung about just as much as thrusted. The sword was decreasing in length and swordplay more complex, both a result of changes in style due to elongated peacetime and because of the influence of gladiatorial doctores who sometimes got themselves hired to train soldiers.

 

Was it the most deadly blade in history? Not even close. It was a good weapon. What made it so effective was the way it had been used by the soldiers. The shortening of the blade required a higher standard of swordplay however and this was one of the reasons that it was dropped very quickly in the 3rd century ad in favour of the longer cavalry spatha.

 

The most deadly blade is without doubt the japanese katana. Versatile, light, equally usable in thrust or cut, frighteningly sharp, and considerably better made. There simply hasn't been anything better.