Roman sword question - Historum

Richard Potato · July 5th, 2011, 02:41 PM

It's been years since I've read Roman history, and there is a lot locked up in my sub-conscious that (at the moment) I can't get at. One thing I do remember is that one author wrote that the Roman sword had a sharp point and no edge. I felt a bit surprised when I read that, since at the time (and now) I believe the Roman sword had a sharp point and was either single or double edged.

Rome was around for a long time, and raised (and, I suppose, re-equipped) a lot of Legions. So my Question is: Was there ever a Legion equipped with a sharp point, no-edge sword?

I googled this and came up with zilch.

**okamido** · July 5th, 2011, 03:07 PM

While primarily a stabbing weapon, it would have been sharpened on all edges. One way to realize this was the placement of the gladius hanging from the right hip, rather than what we think of being normal on the left hip. This was so the legionary wouldn't accidentally cut his left arm while he was holding his scutum in front of him, or inadvertently striking his neighbor.

**Kevinmeath** · July 5th, 2011, 03:09 PM

Don't think it had no edge (the Gladius that is) but was designed more to stab than slash.

Richard Potato · July 5th, 2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okamido

While primarily a stabbing weapon, it would have been sharpened on all edges. One way to realize this was the placement of the gladius hanging from the right hip, rather than what we think of being normal on the left hip. This was so the legionary wouldn't accidentally cut his left arm while he was holding his scutum in front of him, or inadvertently striking his neighbor.

Another mild surprise. I thought it was hung under the left shoulder.

**Frank81** · July 5th, 2011, 04:54 PM

This guy agree

By the 3th century, or probably the 4th, when the infantry adopted the Spatha, they changed to the left.

Richard Potato · July 7th, 2011, 05:54 PM

Thanks for the answers.....

**Frank81** · July 8th, 2011, 04:53 AM

Well in order to answer your first question I would say that the legions never were equiped with such sword. However, the emphasis on trusting was far more important than in cut, and so the Gladius had an evolution from a sword with an equilibrium between cut and thrust, to a sword with poor cut capabilities as it was the Pompeii type

Look how could be the Hispanic original

Swords with good cutting capabilities use to be: relativelly long, heavier, with the center of gravity, recurved blade increases the cutting.

Nothing of these elements had the Pompeii. Although i wouldn't like to put my skin in the way of such Pomepeii gladius.

**Frank81** · July 8th, 2011, 07:17 AM

Romans not only disliked cutting swords but also told on avoid such technique. Probably this is behind the widespread idea of roman swords not being able to cut

Vegetius (roman author)
Digital | Attic - Warfare : De Re Militari Book I: The Selection and Training of New Levies

Quote:

NOT TO CUT, BUT TO THRUST WITH THE SWORD
They were likewise taught not to cut but to thrust with their swords. For the Romans not only made a jest of those who fought with the edge of that weapon, but always found them an easy conquest. A stroke with the edges, though made with ever so much force, seldom kills, as the vital parts of the body are defended both by the bones and armor. On the contrary, a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal. Besides in the attitude of striking, it is impossible to avoid exposing the right arm and side; but on the other hand, the body is covered while a thrust is given, and the adversary receives the point before he sees the sword. This was the method of fighting principally used by the Romans, and their reason for exercising recruits with arms of such a weight at first was, that when they came to carry the common ones so much lighter, the greater difference might enable them to act with greater security and alacrity in time of action.

dragoner · July 8th, 2011, 08:34 AM

The Roman Sword was developed for use within Roman tactical doctrine of organized rows of troops, shields close together and a short stabbing motion.

Roman Army Tactics

Richard Potato · July 8th, 2011, 09:09 AM

Revised Question: If there was such emphasis placed on stabbing, why have a cutting edge at all?