Rome, ca. 220 to 27 BCE. This is a long iron alloy (steel) sword (gladius) with a round bronze pommel and an incised bone crossguard. The grip is no longer present, revealing the iron tang. The blade is in the classic Roman shape, a gentle taper to a triangular point; the crossguard has a swirling, geometric design and an excellent dark patina. This sword is on the long side relative to average, and appears to fit the typology of the Gladius Hispaniensis (Spanish sword), with the length indicating that it is from the Roman Republic period. The Suda, a Byzantine Greek historical encyclopedia of the ancient Mediterranean world, written in the 10th century CE, describes how the Romans were inspired by the superior weapons of the Celtiberians (people who lived in modern-day Spain) during the Second Gallic War to create this form of sword. These swords were carried upon the right thigh and used by Roman soldiers in a tight formation; they would thrust the blades outward whilst protected by their shields. The bone handle on this suggests a personal touch -- this weapon probably belonged to a single soldier and the handle allowed him to find it easily when amongst others. Size: 30.5" L x 2.25" W (77.5 cm x 5.7 cm); length of blade is 24.5" (62.2 cm).

Provenance: Ex- Jones collection, UK, purportedly found in Britain in the 1980's.

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#112992

Near choice, blade stabilized, some losses to original bone inlays