ROMAN MAINTZ GLADIUS (IP-023) LEGACY ARMS
The gladius is known as "the sword that conquered the world" and was know for its quickness and strength. The Generation 2 Roman Maintz Gladius IP-023 by Legacy Arms features a sharpened 5160 carbon steel tempered blade with heavy duty full length tang. Like most Maintz pattern swords the blade is waisted and flairs out toward the point offering a good thrust as well as cut. The hilt features a round dark grain hard wood guard, ball pommel with steel button tip, and knurled turned wood handle with polished steel accents for a secure grip. The high polished steel spacers at the bottom of the hilt add strength and durability. This fully functional battle ready sword comes complete with a wood scabbard wrapped in black leather with steel accents at throat and scabbard tip. More than just a wall hanger, this Functional Replica measures 29 1/4 inches in Overall Length with a point of balance 2.5 inches below the hit, weighing in at 2 lbs. 1 oz.

THE ROMAN GLADIUS
A fully-equipped Roman soldier would have been armed with, several javelins (pila), a sword (gladius), a shield (scutum), a dagger (pugio) and perhaps a number of darts (plumbatae). Conventionally, the javelins would be thrown before engaging the enemy, at which point the gladius would be drawn. The soldier generally led with his shield and thrust with his sword. Despite the gladius being designed for thrusting at the enemy from behind the protection of the shield, all types of gladius appear to have been suitable for slashing and chopping motions. Though the primary infantry attack was thrusting at stomach height, they were trained to take any advantage, such as slashing at kneecaps beneath the shield wall.