The gladius Hispaniensis was a Roman sword used from around 216 BC until 20 BC. Its blade had a length of 60–68 cm (24–27 in), and the sword was 75–85 cm (30–33 in) long. The width of the sword was 5 cm (2.0 in).

Nov 16, 2022 · Few weapons in history have the cultural iconicity of the Roman gladius sword. For four centuries, the gladius was one of the defining weapons of Rome as both a republic and an imperial power. It emerged in the 3rd-century bce, as Rome sought tactical and technological innovations to counter Celtiberian and Carthaginian enemies.

The spatha was a type of straight and long sword, measuring between 0.5 and 1 metre (20 and 40 inches), with a handle length of between 18 and 20 centimetres (7 and 8 inches), in use in the territory of the Roman Empire during the 1st to 6th centuries AD.

In the Roman Republic, the term gladius Hispaniensis (Spanish sword) referred (and still refers) specifically to the short sword, 60 cm (24 inches) long, used by Roman legionaries from the 3rd century BC. It is considered to be the primary weapon used by soldiers in war.

May 14, 2024 · The gladius stands as one of the most iconic weapons of antiquity, a fearsome sword wielded by the might of Rome’s legions, whose blades – literally and metaphorically – carved out the history of the Roman Republic and later, the Empire.

Aug 15, 2024 · The Roman gladius, a short sword that became synonymous with the might of the Roman legions, is one of the most iconic weapons of ancient history. Compact yet deadly, the gladius played a crucial role in Rome’s military conquests, contributing significantly to the expansion and maintenance of the Roman Empire.

Apr 2, 2025 · The Roman gladius sword is one of the most iconic weapons that comes to mind when we think of a Roman legionary. Although it varied slightly in size over the centuries, with its short blade of about 18 inches in length and 2 inches wide, this small sword was ideally suited to both cutting and thrusting.

Dec 11, 2023 · From there, it would become the sword of choice for the Roman army for more than four hundred years. So popular was the gladius that it is depicted on many military tombstones, where the deceased was wealthy enough to include a portrait on his stone, more frequently than any other Roman weapon.

Sep 17, 2024 · The Roman short sword, known as the gladius, was a versatile weapon that showcased Rome’s expertise in adopting and refining highly effective arms. Over the centuries, the gladius underwent a series of modifications, influenced by technological advancements and shifts in Roman infantry tactics.

The Souda, a 10th-century Byzantine encyclopedia, offers interesting insight into the geographical and historical origins of the Roman short sword. The Souda confirms the traditional view of the Romans about the history of their favorite weapon.