26. The Sword With Which Ancient Rome Won an Empire
The gladius was typically carried in a scabbard affixed to a belt on the Roman legionary’s right hip. In combat, the legionary with his torso armored and his head protected by a helmet, carried a long shield. The shield was initially oval, but later became rectangular and curved. It covered most of his body from his shins to his chin. In his right hand, he held his gladius in an underhanded grip, its tip projecting from the right side of his shield at waist level.
The legionary strove to stab his gladius into his foe’s abdomen or chest; above the upper rim of his shield into the enemy’s face or neck; or if the opportunity presented itself, slashing at the opponent’s knees or legs, or hamstringing him with a drawing cut. The gladius’ relatively short blade was great in close quarters: it allowed the legionary to step inside his enemy’s guard and thrust at speed in any direction from which his foe was vulnerable. That would have been awkward with a long sword, which would have required more space between the parties for optimal thrusting.
Related: Deadly Bladed Weapons in History.
