"The backbone of the Roman army was the legion, of
some 5000 men, all Roman citizens, uniformly armed and
equipped, with javelin, sword, shield and dagger.
There were some 30 legions distributed in the
frontier provinces of the Empire. All soldiers were professionals,
who served for 25 years; on retirement each legionary
received a plot of land or a cash gratuity.
The highly trained legionaries habitually triumphed over
the disorganised, though often numerically superior barbarian
tribes beyond the Empire's frontiers.
The pugio or dagger was worn
on the left, and a gladius, or short sword, on the right.
The sword was a terrible stabbing weapon, short enough
to wield easily in the crush of battle. It was horribly
effective against the most un armoured Gauls.
This reproduction Roman
army sword is 30.5" overall with gold handle
and pommel. The blade is beautifully sim etched and includes
wooden plaque.
