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delos
sword
AH-4215 Deepeeka Delos Sword
Accuracy rating: 9.75 - 10 $125
The Romans, known for their assimilation and adaptation of concepts and items from conquered peoples, adopted a type of short sword that had been the weapon of the Spanish Celts whom they came in contact with during the period of the Republic. Known as the gladius hispaniensis, it underwent several changes, but displayed many of the same basic qualities throughout its usage. Polybius describes the weapon as being equally suited to thrusting and cutting. But he, as well as other ancient authors, mention that the Romans were decidedly inclined towards thrusting as their main mode of attack, rather than slashing, which opens up the defenses of the swordsman unnecessarily and does not provide the same deadliness that a thrust does. As such, the gladius was primarily a thrusting weapon, short in stature, but with a fierce point and a central fuller for added strength. Earlier versions bore wasp-waisted edges and a fairly broad profile just before the hand guard. Later versions include what is known as the Mainz gladius and the Pompeii gladius, the former being very wide at the base with a pronounced waist, and the latter being straight sided with a triangular tip. The Delos sword was one of the early finds of a Republican era gladius, found at Delos in Greece. Its blade is quite a bit longer than the Pompeii and Mainz styles, with a slight wasp waist, and embodying what Polybius spoke about in his descriptions of swords from that day, a formidable slashing weapon with considerable kinetic energy donated to the thrust.
Our versions
The Deepeeka version of the Delos sword is extremely well made, with a wooden scabbard, covered with leather and brass furniture. This version has been newly redesigned with the assistance of scholars, reenactors, and other experts from the online discussion board, Roman Army Talk. This version is not intended for full contact combat, but rather for display and living history, as the grade of steel used in its manufacture was chosen for affordability. Full contact stage combat versions of some swords are available from Deepeeka.
Accuracy Rating
The newly designed Delos sword receives a rating of 9.75 – 10, as the original had some decorative studs affixed to the end of the pommel, either to provide additional balance to this point-heavy weapon, or to embellish its appearance. These elements have been reasonably omitted from this replica. |
