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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Gladius

The short Roman sword, used for thrusting in tight formation. Gladiators took their name from it.

Gladius
Gladius WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

gladius Hispaniensis; Roman short sword

Origin and history

The gladius was the short sword of Roman legionaries. Roman writers say the Romans adopted the Spanish sword (gladius Hispaniensis) from Iberian warriors around the 3rd century BC; it was used with the large shield (scutum) in close formation.

Martial arts that use it

Pankration

Construction

A straight, double-edged blade of about 45–70 cm with a strong point, a wooden or bone grip and a round pommel; types such as Mainz and Pompeii are named after find sites.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

According to Vegetius, recruits trained by attacking a wooden post (palus) with a heavier wooden sword and a wicker shield.

More weapons

Montante Falcata Katana Wakizashi Jian Dao

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Gladius
  2. Wikipedia — Roman army