Roman swords
The gladius shaped world history: measuring just 60 to 85 centimetres in total length, this Roman short sword ensured the expansion of an empire for centuries. Here you will find replicas of historical gladius types, the spatha and other Roman swords – made from carbon steel, complete with scabbard, for re-enactment, collecting and exhibition combat.
Gladius, Spatha & Co.: The swords of the Roman army
The range comprises 21 items from Battle Merchant – from classic gladius replicas and the longer spatha to the Greco-Roman parazonium and the hoplite sword from Campovalano. The selection thus covers the main types of sword that were common in ancient Rome and throughout antiquity.
The gladius was the short infantry sword of the Roman legionaries: compact, double-edged, optimised for thrusting in close combat. The spatha, on the other hand, is the longer cavalry sword of the late Roman army – with a parallel blade and greater reach. Both types are represented in the range in historically documented variants.
Prices range from €75 to €235, making it an ideal starting point for both beginners and experienced re-enactors. All items are supplied with a matching scabbard – predominantly made of leather or a combination of leather and metal. In addition, you will also find sword accessories in the shop, such as care sets and carrying equipment.
The development of the gladius: from Hispaniensis to Pompeii
Gladius Hispaniensis
The oldest documented type of gladius took its name from its Iberian origins. The Romans encountered this type of sword during the Punic Wars amongst Celtiberian mercenaries and adopted it for their legions. Typical features: a slightly curved, tapered blade with a long point, total length approx. 75–85 cm. A find from Delos served as the model for the Republican gladius in the range.
Mainz-type gladius
Named after finds from the Roman military camp at Mogontiacum (Mainz), this type is characterised by a strikingly indented blade base (waist), a relatively broad blade and a long, tapered, triangular point. It is equally suited to cutting and thrusting. Blade length approx. 50–60 cm, total length approx. 65–80 cm.
Fulham-type gladius
Named after a find in the Thames near Fulham (London), this type is regarded as a transitional form between Mainz and Pompeii. The blade is slightly narrower than the Mainz type, the waist less pronounced, and the point still relatively long. Find sites such as Xanten and other Rhine camps attest to its prevalence in the north-western provinces of the Empire.
Pompeii-type gladius
The most recent and most frequently replicated gladius type: parallel edges, barely discernible waist, short triangular tip. Named after finds in Pompeii. Blade length approx. 45–55 cm, total length approx. 60–70 cm. Available in the range in several versions – from the affordable entry-level version to the detailed replica with a bone grip. The Pompeii type is thus the most frequently mentioned sword type in the range.
Gladius types compared: Mainz, Fulham, Pompeii and Xanten
- Blade shape: Tapered, indented centre
- Point: Long, triangular
- Period: Augustan to early Imperial
- Characteristics: Suitable for both cutting and thrusting
- Find sites: Mainz, Fulham (Thames), Xanten
- In the range: Fulham gladius, Mainz type; Roman gladius, Mainz type, 1st century; Roman gladius, Fulham type, 1st century
- Handle material: Bone, wood, brass
- Blade shape: Parallel edges, barely tapered
- Point: Short, triangular
- Period: 1st–3rd century AD
- Characteristics: Stabbing weapon, compact and light
- Find sites: Pompeii, Xanten (Colonia Ulpia Traiana)
- In the range: Gladius Pompeii type (several versions), Roman Xanten Gladius 3rd century
- Handle material: Bone, wood; Scabbard: Leather/metal
Another special type in the range is the Republican Gladius from Delos – featuring a hand-carved wooden handle and metal scabbard, based on a find from the Greek island of Delos. The Parazonium completes the selection as a Greco-Roman short sword with a leaf-shaped blade. For a complete overview of other historical blades, it is also worth taking a look at ancient knives and ancient armour.
The Spatha – the long sword of the late Roman army
Whilst the gladius formed the backbone of the early and middle Imperial periods, the spatha gained increasing importance from the 2nd century AD onwards – initially in the cavalry, and later also in the infantry. Its parallel blade, up to approx. 80 cm in length, allowed for wide-swinging strikes, making it particularly suitable for cavalrymen on horseback.
The range includes four variants of the spatha:
- Roman Spatha, Podlodów type (3rd century): Detailed replica with an animal bone hilt and a wooden and leather scabbard, blade made of carbon steel
- Roman spatha (3rd century): steel blade, animal bone hilt, authentic proportions
- Roman cavalry spatha with strap: wooden hilt, blade made of EN45 spring steel, including carrying strap
- Roman long sword (2nd century): slender blade, scabbard made of wood and leather
The spatha is regarded as a link between ancient and early medieval sword forms – its blade geometry had a decisive influence on the development of early medieval swords during the Migration Period.
Price ranges: Which Roman sword is right for you?
Solid carbon steel blade, simple leather scabbard, basic adherence to the respective Gladius type. Ideal for your first Roman costume, school festivals, medieval markets or as a gift. The Gladius Pompeii type with scabbard (~€76) and the simple Gladius with scabbard (~€92) are typical examples of this category.
More detailed replicas of historically documented types: bone or wooden hilt, more elaborate scabbard with metal fittings, recognisable type affiliation (Mainz, Fulham, Pompeii). Examples: Roman Gladius Mainz type (~€126), Pompeii Gladius with dark scabbard (~€101), Republican Gladius from Delos (~€151). For re-enactors who value historical authenticity.
Elaborate replicas for experienced performers and collectors: the Tiberius sword with scabbard (~€235) and the Fulham Gladius Mainz type (~€160) feature detailed fittings, high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. All items in this price range are from Battle Merchant, a manufacturer specialising in historical weapon replicas.
Legal and practical information: What you should know when buying a sword
Is it legal to own a sword? In Germany, the possession of swords as decorative items or collectors’ pieces is generally legal – neither the gladius nor the spatha fall under the Weapons Act as prohibited items. However, the ban on carrying swords in public applies in accordance with Section 42a of the Weapons Act: swords may not be carried in public without a valid reason. At events such as medieval markets or re-enactment events, carrying swords is usually regulated by the event permit.
Sharp or blunt? Most items in the range are designed for re-enactment and exhibition combat – i.e. with a blunt blade or one that is at least not sharpened to a cutting edge. Some models are designed as collector’s items. Check the product description before purchasing if this is relevant to your intended use.
Care: Carbon steel blades (the majority of items) require more maintenance than stainless steel blades. After each use and at regular intervals, the blade should be lightly coated with acid-free oil (e.g. camellia oil or weapon oil) to prevent rusting. Treat leather scabbards with leather grease to keep the material supple. You can find the belt system (balteus) in the Roman Belts category.
The complete Roman outfit: sword and equipment in combination
Clothing & Footwear
A Roman tunic made of wool or linen forms the basis of any Roman costume. To go with it: Roman caligae (sandal-boots) and the characteristic leather belt (balteus), which also holds the sword.
Weapons & knives
The Gladius is accompanied by the Pugio – the Roman military dagger – as a secondary weapon. You’ll find both types in our range, along with other replicas of ancient weapons. For exhibition combat gear, it’s also worth taking a look at LARP weapons.
Armour & Protective Gear
Ancient armour such as the Lorica Segmentata or a Roman helmet completes the look. Combined with a shield (Scutum), you achieve a full legionary look. The range is specifically designed for re-enactment and historical re-enactment.
Whether you’re looking for a historically authentic Pompeii-type gladius for your first Roman re-enactment or a detailed replica of the Fulham-Mainz type for your collection – you’ll find the right weapon for your project in our range. Browse through the selection and feel free to ask for advice if you have any questions.
Frequently asked questions
The best-known Roman sword is called the gladius – a Latin term meaning simply ‘sword’. Historically, four main types can be distinguished: Hispaniensis (Republican era), Mainz type (Augustan, tapered blade), Fulham type (transitional form, 1st century AD) and Pompeii type (parallel edges, short point, most widespread). In addition, the late Roman cavalry used the longer spatha as well as the pugio as a side weapon.
Depending on the type, the blade length of a gladius ranged from around 45 to 65 centimetres, with the total length including the hilt between approximately 60 and 85 centimetres. The compact Pompeian type was the shortest, with a total length of around 60–70 cm, whilst the older Hispaniensis could reach up to 85 cm. This short length was a tactical advantage in the dense infantry combat of the legions: the gladius was designed for precise thrusting movements, not for sweeping blows.
In Germany, the possession and purchase of swords as decorative items or collectors’ pieces is generally legal. Swords are not prohibited weapons under the Weapons Act. However, pursuant to Section 42a of the Weapons Act, there is a ban on carrying them in public without a valid reason – so carrying them openly on the street is not permitted. At re-enactment events, medieval markets or similar events, carrying swords is usually regulated by the relevant event permit.
Entry-level models with a carbon steel blade and a simple scabbard start at around €75–100. For more detailed replicas of historically documented types (Mainz, Fulham, Pompeii) with bone or wooden handles, prices range between €100 and €160. More elaborate collector’s items such as the Tiberius sword cost up to around €235. For those new to re-enactment, a model in the mid-price range is a sensible choice – it combines historical authenticity with solid craftsmanship.
The gladius is the short infantry sword of the Roman legionaries, with a blade length of approx. 45–65 cm – compact, double-edged, and optimised for thrusting in close combat. The spatha is the longer cavalry sword of the late Roman army, with a blade length of up to approx. 80 cm, parallel edges and greater reach. Whilst the gladius dominated from the 3rd century BC onwards, the spatha gained increasing importance from the 2nd century AD onwards and later influenced early medieval sword development.