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Astronomical Knowledge of the Mayans: Predictions, Calculations, and Meanings
Systematic Sky ObservationThe Mayan civilization, which flourished from approximately 2000 BCE to the 16th century, d...
Current articles
08 Apr 2025
2 min
5 interesting facts about the Gladius, the swor...
5 interesting facts about the Gladius The Gladius isn't just a sword; it's a symbol of Roman military might, a weapon that helped expand one of history's most powerful empires. But behind its simple design lie many surprising stories. Today in Swords and More , we tell you 5 interesting facts that (perhaps) you didn't know about the Gladius : It was not originally Roman Although we associate it with the Roman legions, the gladius originated in the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans adopted this type of sword during the Punic Wars, inspired by the weapons of the Iberian warriors. In fact, its full name was gladius hispaniensis , or "Hispanic sword." Check out this amazing Gladius! Designed to stab, not cut Unlike many medieval longswords, the gladius was designed for close combat. Legionaries used the shield ( scutum ) to close in and then attacked with quick thrusts toward the enemy's torso or between the ribs. A lethal and efficient technique. This Gladius is of incredible quality! There were several types of gladius Over time, the design of the gladius evolved. The three best-known models are: Gladius Hispaniensis (the longest and oldest) Gladius Mainz (wide blade, with a more triangular tip) Gladius Pompeii (shorter and with straight edges, ideal for urban combat) Each one was adapted to different tactical needs. The soldiers carried him on the right side Curiously, Roman legionaries wore the gladius on the right side of their belt, not on the left, as would be more natural for right-handed men. This was because the shield was carried on the left side, and drawing the weapon from the opposite side with the shield in the way was awkward. It also prevented swords from clashing between comrades in formation. Check out this Delos Gladius! It was not just a weapon, but also a symbol. The gladius represented the status of the Roman soldier. Although it was a weapon of war, it also had ceremonial value. Upon discharge, many veterans kept their gladius as a memento of their service, and sometimes it was even placed in graves as a symbol of honor and valor. You'll love this Gladius! Don't miss it! At Espadas y más, we have handcrafted replicas of the Roman gladius, ideal for collectors, historical reenactors, or military history buffs. Own a piece of history and wear it with pride!
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30 Apr 2024
3 min
Roman Weapons and Swords. Roma Aeterna
Welcome to a new Swords and More article! Today we will tell you about the glorious Rome and its weaponry. Roma Aeterna! Roman military world and weapons When we think of Roman military capability, one of the most important empires in history comes to mind. Some of the relevant elements of Roman tactics are: Discipline and structure: The Roman army was noted for its discipline and organization, as well as for its advances in weapons and tactics. Citizens between seventeen and sixty years of age were subject to military service. Those with minimum incomes of four hundred drachmas joined the infantry or heavy cavalry. Check out this amazing Roman Gladius! Composition of the army: An army was usually made up of four legions, although this number could vary. Each legion, in the 1st century BC, was made up of 5,120 men and was divided into 10 cohorts. Combat tactics: The Roman army was organized in tight formations, with a wide but shallow front line. These formations included 500 infantrymen in front, 1,200 light infantrymen on the sides, and 300 cavalrymen for support. This Gladius is of great quality! Now, if we go to weapons, the main Roman weapons are the following: The pilum was a long, heavy spear of about 2.5 metres that Roman soldiers threw like a dart towards the enemy. When several units threw their pilums at the same time, they created a shower of devastating projectiles. In addition, the pilum was also used in hand-to-hand combat, being a short spear very effective at piercing armour. The gladius hispaniensis , known as the Roman short sword, was instrumental in the expansion of the Roman Empire. With its suitable length, it allowed legionaries to attack with penetrating and devastating blows in confined spaces. Check out this spectacular Roman Centurion Gladius! The plumbata, also called the "spikes of Mars", was a new weapon adopted by the Roman armies around 300 AD. It consisted of an iron-tipped, lead-weighted dart mounted on a feathered wooden rod. The pugio, a dagger used by Roman soldiers, was an auxiliary weapon whose exact purpose is still uncertain, but it is believed to have had a meaning beyond combat, indicating the soldier's status. Look at this Roman dagger from Marto! Furthermore, the scorpion was a rotating siege engine used by the Roman army as a field artillery piece. And what do you think of Roman swords and the history of the glorious empire? (With permission from the great Spanish empire) Tell us!
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