|
POMPEII
Gladius
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 bore wasp-waisted edges
and a fairly broad profile just before the hand guard. The Pompeii type was
found in the excavations of Pompeii, dating prior to 79 AD. It features straight
sides and a short, triangular tip.
The Deepeeka versions of the Pompeii Gladius are extremely well made, with a wooden scabbard,
 covered with leather and brass furniture. The bone hilted version (AH4210) is of an older Deepeeka design, still a favorite among some. Deepeeka has also released a newly revised version of the bone and wood hilted style (now numbered AH4211N). This version has been newly redesigned with the assistance of scholars, reenactors, and other experts from the online discussion board, Roman Army Talk. Neither version is 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.
AH-4210 Deepeeka Pompeii Gladius
(Bone hilt version)
Accuracy rating: 9 $140
The newly revised AH4211N (bone and wood hilt) receives a rating of 9.75 - 10, while the other version (AH4210 – bone hilt) still receives a 9. On that older version, we give the one caveat that the discriminating customer may wish to substitute the m odern hex nut that holds the pommel to the tang for something like an ‘acorn nut’.
Pompeii Gladius (mid-1st century AD - late second century AD)
AH-4211N Newly revised!
Deepeeka Pompeii Gladius (Bone and wood hilt version)
Accuracy rating: 9.75 – 10 $155
|
