The spatha of literature appears in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD as a weapon used by presumably Celtic auxiliaries and gradually became a standard heavy infantry weapon by the 3rd century AD, relegating the gladius to use as a light infantry weapon.

Jul 15, 2016 · The spatha was introduced to the Roman army in the early imperial period by Celtic cavalry auxiliaries who continued to wear their Celtic long swords, with blade lengths of 60 to 85 cm, in Roman service.

Aug 25, 2024 · Roman cavalry spatha, 2nd century AD. (Modern reconstruction) The Romans adopted the cavalry sword, which they called by the Greek word “spatha” (a term that later entered many European...

Jun 25, 2024 · The Roman spatha is one of the best-known weapons of the Romans and is a double-edged sword that was mainly used as a slashing weapon. Due to its light weight and one-handed wielding, this Roman weapon was ideal for mounted fighters and …

May 8, 2024 · The spatha was a Roman longsword, used primarily by cavalry in the Roman military. Spathii are longer than infantry swords, this replica is approximately 98 centimeters (Figure 1), whereas typical gladii in ancient times ranged …

Sep 6, 2023 · Four stunningly preserved Roman-era swords—preserved for almost 2,000 years in their wood and leather scabbards—have been discovered in a cave near the Dead Sea, the Israel Antiquities...

It turned out to be a remarkable find; a Roman sword; a spatha dated to the 2nd-3rd century AD and rare in Britain. It is one of only eight in the country, most of these were recovered from...

Sep 19, 2023 · During a metal detectorist rally in March, Glenn Manning found two ancient Roman "spatha" swords dating back 2,000 years. The swords are commonly known as "spatha," which date back to the middle-imperial Roman period.

Jul 17, 2023 · The spatha originated in the late Roman Republic and became the primary weapon of the Roman cavalry during the Roman Empire. It was a longer and more versatile sword than the gladius, the standard sword of Roman infantry.

Mar 4, 2024 · Longer than its predecessor, the gladius, the spatha featured a length that allowed soldiers to maintain a safer distance from their enemies. Its blade was not just long but also wider, offering a more impactful blow, while the grip was designed to provide a …