ROMAN SWORD w/scabbard (SD4140) by DENIX
The Coliseum comes to life in the realism and detail found in this massive short sword. This beautifully detailed Roman Gladiator decorator sword features a 20 1/4" steel finished zinc blade, wood pommel and hand guard, leather wrapped scabbard with simulated gold engraved furniture. Measures 29. 1/2" overall in sheath and weighs 4.5 lbs. Sold as Decorator Model and is NOT Battle Worthy. Ideal for Theatrical Use or Display in Home or Office.

Who were the Gladiators?
In general, gladiators were prisoners of war,condemned criminals, or slaves bought for the purpose of gladiatorial combat by a lanista, or owner of gladiators. Professional gladiators were free men who volunteered to participate in the games. In The Satyricon, Petronius suggested that Roman crowds preferred combat by free men over that of slaves. For example, the character of Echion is excited about games in which free men, "not a slave in the batch," will fight. Though low on the social scale, free men often found popularity and patronage of wealthy Roman citizens by becoming gladiators. The emperor Augustus sought to preserve the pietas and virtus of the knight class and Roman senate by forbidding them to participate in gladiatorial combat. Later, Caligula and Nero would order both groups to participate in the games. Though a gladiator was only required to fight two or three times a year, few survived the three to five years.