Gladius

  • The Gladius was the Roman Broadsword, a traditional Legionary sword, up to 31 inches (80 cm) long, and used during the Roman Republic and the Early Empire.
  • The Handle was made of wood and the blade from iron and it had a sheath of wood. It was adopted from the Iberian Tribes after the Punic Wars (264-146 BCE).

The Sword of Tiberius

  • The British Museum holds a Gladius found in Germany dating to 15 CE.
  • The sword probably belonged to an officer as the sheath has an elaborate design showing Tiberius handing over the spoils of war to Augustus.
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