Gladius - The Roman Legionary's Sword, Hand-Forged

The gladius conquered the Mediterranean world from arm's length. Rome's short sword — adopted from Spanish Celtiberian warriors and refined across four centuries of legionary service — was built for one job: the disciplined thrust from behind the shield wall. Ours are hand-forged to the historical patterns in high-carbon and Damascus steel: the broad-bladed Mainz of the early Empire and the straight-edged Pompeii type every legionary of the later era carried, both at true legionary proportions with full tangs.

If you want the full story — the four gladius types, why the thrust beat the slash, and what Roman smiths actually forged with — our complete gladius guide covers it. The legionary's other weapon, the pilum javelin, lives in our spears collection, and the Greek blades Rome measured itself against are in Greek swords.

Gladius FAQ

What is a gladius?

The short, double-edged thrusting sword of the Roman legionary — typically 19 to 27 inches of blade, under two and a quarter pounds, worn on the right hip and used point-first from behind the shield. It armed Rome's infantry from roughly the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD.

Mainz or Pompeii - which gladius should I choose?

Mainz for the early-Empire look: a broader blade with a long tapering point, the sword of the invasion of Britain. Pompeii for the classic: straight parallel edges and a short point, the most common Roman sword ever made. Historically minded collectors often end up with both.

Are your gladius swords battle-ready?

Most— hand-forged high-carbon or Damascus steel, full tang, and historical balance with the point-forward liveliness the originals were known for. Each product page lists steel, dimensions, and weight.