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Historic Swords (Ancient British and Roman) This period covers approximately from 1500BC-c.400AD.
Britain changed greatly over this almost 2,000 year period. People became farmers and developed village society that then developed into a market town and trading port society. Then in 42AD the Romans came and much of Britain became an active part of Roman Europe for over 350 years. |
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Historically: Dirks similar to this were being made from bronze about 1,500BC. In ancient times, the Broaddirk was a sign of wealth and power, so would always be worn by tribal chiefs and heroic champions. 24cm/9.5" long Price: £3.69
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Historically: Swords like this were owned by the most powerful in society. Only to be used at important ceremonies and in battle leading others against enemy tribes. 36cm/15.5" long Price: £4.30
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Historically: Weapons like this were being forged in iron by skilled swordsmiths of the iron age celtic culture from about 500BC. Celtic nobles paid great respect to their swords giving them names and having them blessed with magic. 60cm/23.5" long Price: £5.30
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The warlord in Celtic society was an important and brave warrior. He was able to marry the Chieftain's daughter, becoming his heir, as Chiefs sons did not inherit the throne. Price: £8.17
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Historically: This was the last weapon of defence and marching-camp handy tool all in one. Many a Pugio was the saviour of an all but defeated legionary. After about 180AD, only senior officers from Centurions up carried Pugios. 24cm/9.5" long Price: £3.69
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Historically: First encountered, literally at the sharp end, by Roman Legions warring in Spain, this the Gladius Hispanicus was soon adopted by all their legions, being used until about 250AD (when fighting formation changed). Compared to the old republican sword, this sword was much stronger. This sword was never meant to be wielded about: the well-armoured Legionaries would wait for the charging Celts to hit their tight shield wall, then their short Gladius would slip between their shields to be thrusted forward. 40cm/15.5" long Price: £4.49
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Historically: Called the Spatha by the Imperial Romans and used by their own cavalry "The Equites" during their invasion of Britain in 43AD. By 236AD the armies of Rome were becoming stretched across their massive frontiers and at this time the tight Legion formation of old was seen to be too expensive in both manpower and the time it took to train them. With a more open battle formation the longer Spatha was better suited to the new infantry style. When the state paid Legions left Britain in 407AD the British people raised mounted militia from their beleaguered province. The Romano-British c.250AD to 600AD used this sort of sword with infantry as well as cavalry. The real 'Arthur of the Britons' was probably the over-all commander of many such Romano-British cavalry troops. His Spatha, legend says was called 'Excalibur'. 48cm/19" long Price: £5.39
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The general in charge of 5,600 men in a legion was called the Legate. He would ride a horse and be armed with a Spatha and a Pugio. From horse back he could better see the battle and ride to parts of the battle to quickly give orders. Price: £8.17
Ref.HS-SET2 |
