Roman Pompeii Gladius Sword

Roman Pompeii Gladius

Bone & Wood Handle.

Overall 27".

Blade: 19".

Bone handle.

Wooden guard.

Wooden scabbard covered by leather with a metal fittings.

Gladius

The classic Imperial Roman short sword, named for where an original was found in the ruins of Pompeii (reliably dating from 79 CE). Our faithful recreation is based on one pictured in Michael Simkins' Warriors of Rome, though all the hilt components are hand-made, and no two are exactly alike.

The oval guard and flattened spherical pommel are hand-carved wood with an inset brass guard plate, and the grip is natural bone. The diamond cross-section blade, heat-treated at Deepeeka for maximum flexibility and cutting performance, has a 50 percent distal taper. This gladius, unlike many others on the market, has a very strong rectangular tang throughout, and is peened and threaded for extra strength.

This is the sword that conquered most of the known world. The Roman Army's approach to warfare was direct and pragmatic. It chose the Gladius as its principal sidearm because it was practical and efficient and excelled in any close combat situation. The early Gladius (our version is the Maintz pattern) was wasp waisted with a long point that combined cutting power and stabbing ability in one handy weapon. Later versions (we offer you the Pompeii) were not waisted and had a shorter point but were just as effective - and easier to make. Both swords served side-by-side for many years and it was not uncommon to find 4th century Legionaires carrying the earlier model.

Roman swords.