The Gladius |
The Gladius was one of many swords used by the Roman Army, in the Iron Age, from 4th - 2nd Century BC (Wikipedia.org).
The Gladius was the primary weapon of the Roman foot soldiers. It was a reliable sword that was used during many wars like the Battle of Veii, the Macedonian Wars and the Punic Wars (RomanCoins.info). One of many Gladius artefacts were found off the Coast of Oak Island in 2015 (S.NOVUS). It ranged from 60-85 cm long and was 1.2kg - 1.6 kg enabling them to thrust with quick, accurate and lethal strikes.
In the army, with such a short sword, were taught to use a technique called step and thrust. The Gladius was made out of steel, a solid material so it could withstand many attacks. The Roman craftsmen forged them by smelting the steel just over 1000 degrees, then sanded and put together with the handle. The bottom of the Gladius had to be melted in order for the Gladius to be able to be joined with the handle. The Gladius is a very important sword because it was the first sword the Romans ever made, and most artefacts from Ancient Rome are used in everyday life. Many things are based off the Gladius, like the Swiss knife, many daggers, combat knifes and much more inventions.
The Gladius was the primary weapon of the Roman foot soldiers. It was a reliable sword that was used during many wars like the Battle of Veii, the Macedonian Wars and the Punic Wars (RomanCoins.info). One of many Gladius artefacts were found off the Coast of Oak Island in 2015 (S.NOVUS). It ranged from 60-85 cm long and was 1.2kg - 1.6 kg enabling them to thrust with quick, accurate and lethal strikes.
In the army, with such a short sword, were taught to use a technique called step and thrust. The Gladius was made out of steel, a solid material so it could withstand many attacks. The Roman craftsmen forged them by smelting the steel just over 1000 degrees, then sanded and put together with the handle. The bottom of the Gladius had to be melted in order for the Gladius to be able to be joined with the handle. The Gladius is a very important sword because it was the first sword the Romans ever made, and most artefacts from Ancient Rome are used in everyday life. Many things are based off the Gladius, like the Swiss knife, many daggers, combat knifes and much more inventions.
by Judah Toimata