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| GLADIUS The Gladius was the favored sidearm of Roman armies (The famed Roman Legions) from about 300 BC until the final days of The Empire over seven centuries later. The Gladius comes in several different styles, two of which, the Mainz and Pompeii patterns, are pictured at right. These particular patterns derive their name from the location where the first specimens were found by archaeologists. The defining characteristic of each type is the blade; parallel edges and a v-shaped tip (Pompeii), a "waisted" blade that was wider at the hilt and last third of the blade with a long tapering point (Mainz), parallel edges with a long tapering point roughly one third the entire length of the blade (Fulham), longer and slightly "waisted" blade with long, more gently tapering point (Hispaniensis). This last type was Spanish in origin and believed to be the forerunner of the more common forms. The Gladius was designed with utility in mind. It was primarily a thrusting weapon used in conjunction with a large rectangular shield (scutum) and highly disciplined group tactics. The hilt was typically of bone or wood, although our models have more durable lexan or steel and leather hilts. The blade of the later patterns was roughly 22" in length (the earlier Hispaniensis tended to be slightly longer) and usually had a flattened diamond cross section, which made it particularly stiff and quite effective against all but the most heavily armored foe. Although thrusting was its main function, the Gladius was more than capable of hacking and hewing apart the enemies of The Empire. Mainz pattern Gladii, with a greater proportion of their blade weight near the point, were exceptionally effective in this regard.
Center Gladii, Mainz Style "We will rent no weapon that we would not personally use ourselves."
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