Gladius
Gladius (Latin, sword), the bladed weapon of the Roman army. The Romans had a long, single-edged sword without a point (ensis), which, after the Battle of Cannae, they exchanged for the short, double-edged Spanish sword (gladius hispaniensis) suitable for both cutting and thrusting. The gladius hispaniensis was eventually developed into the Mainz type gladius and the Pompeii type gladius. It was usually carried on the right side, slung from a baldric (balteus).
Available Miniatures
- Republican Roman Hastati & Velites, 1:72 HäT 8018
- Roman Catapults, 1:72 HäT 8035
- Roman Auxiliary Infantry, 2nd Century A. D., 1:72 Zvezda 8052
Source: Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon, 6. Auflage 1905–1909