The Gladius

The military successes of the Roman legionaries stemmed from their intensive training and very strict discipline. And this weapon - the gladius.  

Which literally means sword. The word gladiator comes from this word as well as  Gladiolus - a flower with sharp, sword-shaped leaves.

The gladius was a short sword  that was used by Roman legionaries from the 3rd century BC and designed specifically for making short, powerful thrusts.


The weapon was about 60 cm (22 inches) long and generally weighed 3 pounds (1.4 kg) . In battle the Gladius was used in a thrusting action together with a large rectangular shield, the scutum.

This stabbing technique was most effective on the battlefield because its result was a deep stabbing wound to the midsection of an opponent. Unlike other swords that were used in strike to inflict glancing lacerations the thrust of a Gladius was almost always fatal.




On another continent, Shaka Zulu came to a similar realization about the deadly effect of stabbing in close quarter combat and virtually did away with the primary Zulu attack weapon of the time, the assegaai throwing spear, and introduced the iklwa .

The iklwa [was] a short stabbing spear, with a long, sword-like spearhead. It is said to have been named after the sounds made by its penetration into and withdrawal from the body.

The gladius and iklwa are separated by more than 1000 years, the Zulu weapon emerging later, but I have to wonder what would have happened if a Roman legion had met a Zulu impi in battle.

 My money would be on the boys from Rome.

"The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet" Damon Runyan

 

 

 

Just found this. Nike Gladiator Sandals. For if you take your training really seriously, I guess.