Falx is a Latin word originally meaning 'sickle' but was later used to mean any of a number of tools that had a curved blade that was sharp on the inside edge like a sickle. Falx was thus also used to mean the weapon of the Thracians and Dacians, and the Roman siege hook.

Roman military personal equipment was produced in large numbers to established patterns, and used in an established manner. These standard patterns and uses were called the res militaris or disciplina. Its regular practice during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire led to military excellence and victory.

The Roman monument commemorating the Battle of Adamclisi clearly shows Dacian warriors wielding a two-handed falx. Falx is a Latin word originally meaning sickle, but was later used to mean any of a number of tools that had a curved blade that was sharp on …

Jul 29, 2024 · When an incautious Roman soldier raised his arm with a gladius over his shield, a Dacian with a falx could easily sever the arm at the forearm or inflict irreparable damage by cutting tendons,...

Mar 4, 2024 · This ability to breach the defenses of Roman legionaries, combined with the reach afforded by its long handle, made the falx a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled Dacian warrior. Its design allowed for powerful downward and sweeping strikes, which could cause devastating injuries, even against well-armored foes.

writing about the Asian campaign of P. Licinius Crassus Dives Mucianus against Eumenes III Aristonicos, in the context of the battle of Leucae in 130 BC, mentions the capturing of the Roman consul by the Thracian mercenaries fighting for the Attalid pretender, between Elaea and Myrina.

In the following woodcut, four examples are selected from works of ancient art to illustrate its form. One of the four cameos. Falx. (From cameos.) here copied represents Perseus with the falchion in his right hand, and the head of Medusa in his left.

May 21, 2007 · I'm curious as to the typical dimensions of the two handed version of the Dacian falx. I've seen the blade stated at being up to 1 meter long. I've seen artistic depictions that seem to resemble this, but the hilt did not seem to be over 12" at the most in length.

Jan 15, 2025 · The Falx was a distinctive and deadly weapon used by the Geto-Dacians, a people from the area that is now Romania and Moldova, during the Roman Empire’s campaigns in the region. The sword itself had a unique design—a curved, single-edged blade that was capable of delivering powerful, cleaving strikes.

Jun 26, 2018 · falx (f. pl. falces) 1. A sickle used for harvesting during foraging expeditions, depicted in use on Trajan’s Column (Varro, RR 1.50.1); 2. a two-handed, single-bladed sword used by the Dacians (Fronto, Princ. Hist. 5); f. muralis: a weapon used for defending walls during sieges (Caes., BG 3.14.5); f. navalis: a curved blade used for…