#roman weapon

[blueiscoool]

A ROMAN IRON SPATHA CIRCA 100-300 A.D.

The Roman spatha was a long, straight sword used by the Roman Empire from the 1st to 6th centuries AD: Length: 20–40 in (0.5–1 m). Handle length: 7–8 in (18–20 cm). Use: In war and gladiatorial fights.

The spatha was a heavy infantry weapon that replaced the gladius, which became a light infantry weapon. The spatha was adopted from Germanic tribes, such as the Celts and Gauls, and was likely a hybrid of Celtic and Roman design. The spatha was often depicted in ancient art, and was used by higher-ranking soldiers.

The spatha was effective against lighter armored enemies, and its longer reach gave infantry more room to thrust. Cavalry soldiers also used the spatha because they could reach down from horseback.

The spatha design remained in use for centuries, even after the end of the Roman Empire. Swords from the 7th to 10th centuries, like Viking swords, are recognizable derivatives of the spatha.

[thesilicontribesman]

Replica Roman Blade And Scabbard, Trimontium Museum, Melrose

[thesilicontribesman]

Replica 6th Century Sword and Decorated Leather Sheath (likely derived from a Roman spatha, a close quarter stabbing sword), Moffat Museum, Scotland

[thesilicontribesman]

Roman Helmet Decorated Cheek Plates and Additional Decorations Photoset 2, 'Saving Face' Exhibition, Segedunum, Newcastle upon Tyne

[thesilicontribesman]

Recreated Roman Artefacts, Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne

[thesilicontribesman]

Replica Painted Tombstone from Roman Corbridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2.8.18.

This is a replica painted tombstone of a 25 year old standard bearer called Flavinus who served seven years with a cavalry unit called the Ala Petriana.

The motif of Romans hunting down naked barbarians was commonly used on tombstones but unusually in this case, the Roman has his foot upon his posterior and the barbarian is in a fleeing position with his back to the Roman; an act of explicit cowardice to all Romans.

[thesilicontribesman]

Preserved Roman Ropework, Vindolanda Roman Fort, Northumberland, 29.4.18.

The unique conditions of the soil have preserved items that usually decay. Above are examples of preserved Roman rope work.