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MAINZ
Gladius
Gladius of Mainz AH-2005
(mid-1st century BC - mid
1st century AD)
$178
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 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, like the current one, bore wasp-waisted edges and a fairly broad profile just before the hand guard. The Mainz gladius also sports a longer gradually tapered point that was particularly effective for counteracting the defenses of chainmail, designed to overpower and open the links. The type is called the Mainz type because many of the examples have been found in the Rhine region at Mainz, Germany. It is a conglomerate of several different elements found on such examples of the Mainz type. Mainz type gladii were in use during the invasion of Britain.
Our
Version
This is the newly revised Deepeeka version of the Gladius of Mainz and is extremely well made, with a wooden scabbard, covered with leather and steel and brass furniture. This version is not intended for full contact combat, however, 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 are also available from Deepeeka.
Accuracy Rating
This item receives a rating of 9.75 – 10, having been newly revised with the assistance of scholars, reenactors, and other experts from the online discussion board, Roman Army Talk.
Mainz
Gladius AH-4209
(mid-1st century BC - mid-first century AD)
Price: $140
Our Version
The Deepeeka version of the Mainz Gladius is extremely well made, with a wooden
scabbard, covered with leather and brass furniture. This version is not intended
for full contact combat, however, 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 are also available from Deepeeka.
Accuracy Rating
This item receives a rating of 9.0, with the one caveat that the discriminating
customer may wish to substitute the hex nut that holds the pommel to the tang
for something like an ‘acorn nut’.
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