Roman Pompeii Gladius

The Roman Military was a feared opponent due to it’s advanced formations that would quickly overwhelm an enemy force. One of the most effective use of a gladius was in formation behind the protection of a Roman shield wall. This type of later version gladius known as the Pompeii (circa 100) had a shorter point but were just as effective as the earlier “wasp wasted” blades and were easier and less expensive to make. Under the leadership and advanced tactics of the Roman legions this would become the sword that conquered most of the known world. The Pompeii has an ash and maple handle with a functional high carbon steel blade. The original Roman gladius were excavated from the ruins of Pompeii. You can see examples in H. Russell Robinson’s book “What The Soldiers Wore On Hadrian’s Wall.”

How it’s Made

This sword hand forged from a billet of high carbon steel and has a diamond cross section meaning the blade is thicker in the middle and tapers to the edge. The raised centre increases the rigidity of the blade for thrusting however remains flexible enough to absorb the shock of the thrust or slash. The hilt is constructed using Ash and Maple wooden parts. The blade has a full tang that extends through the hilt and secured with a pommel button. Read more about “The Sword of the Roman Army”