Basic Roman Sword Types
Note: “Gladius” was a term used by the Romans for all swords, but for this post it shall only be used to describe the common Roman short swords.
Xiphos: 8th century BC - 2nd century BC: Invented by the Greeks and commonly used by Greek, Macedonian, Roman, Carthaginian,and Etruscan hoplites. Phased out in favor of the gladius after the 2nd Punic War.
The Gladii
Gladius Hispaniesis (Spanish sword): 216 BC - 20 BC, Adopted after the Second Punic War, originally used by Celtic mercenaries who allied with the Carthaginians.
Mainz Type: Late 1st century BC - 4th Century AD. Manufactured in military camps around the Mainz region. Most examples are found around the Roman - German frontiers around the Rhine and Danube.
Fulham Type: 1st century AD - 4th century AD, First examples discovered in the Thames River near Fulham (England). Considered to be an evolutionary conjunction point between the Mainz and Pompeii Type.
Pompeii Type: 1st century AD - 4th century AD: Named after the city of Pompeii, the most common and popular type of gladius.
Spatha: 1st century AD - 5th century AD. Longsword that originated from the Celts and was used by auxiliary cavalry. Replaced the gladius as the primary heavy infantry sword after the 3rd century. Infantry versions had sharper point and balance point near hilt for better stabbing, cavalry versions had a more rounded point and point of balance farther along the blade for better slashing. Continued in use after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and later evolved into early Medieval swords such as the Carolingian sword (AKA Viking sword).
Semi Spatha: (4th century AD to 5th century AD) Shortened version of the Spatha, or an elongated version of the Pompeii Gladius.
