This paper has been designed to detail the different types of weapons used by the people of Ancient Rome. It includes observations on development of Roman weaponry as well as its great variety of structure and uses. This will include, in addition, the inherence of earlier civilizations of weaponry My paper will attempt to answer the following questions; What weapons did the Romans consider important? What material was used to forge these weapons? How are they classified? How important was their role in the Empires rise to power? What level of protection did these weapons present? Weapons were a key advancement in the conquering of lands done by Ancient Rome.
A short sword called The Gladius was the main weapon of the Roman Military. When people used the name: Gladius Hispaniensis or "Spanish Sword" it is thought that this weapon was based on swords Celtic warriors were using against the Romans in Spain.
Sub-rectangular scuta. Note the curved, semi-cylin...
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300px GladiusThe Pompeii sword was in good use by the first century AD and continued well into the second century. The weapon has straight parallel edges and a short stabbing point. Blade widths average between 1 to 2 inches with the length of the sword being 16 to 20 inches. The Pompeii sword is equally suited for stabbing at close range. (Butterfield 11)
Mainz swords have a blade width of 1 to 3 inches and a length of 15 to 21 inches. By the time of Augustus these swords were in widespread use. Possessing a long tapered point and slightly curved edges they were ideal for stabbing thrust.
The Spatha was the sword used by the cavalry. The blade was much longer than the gladius and was used for slashing. The large numbers of barbarians serving in the legions used the spatha in the late empire.