06-12-2009, 05:58 AM
As I said, the only reference to the Semispatha is in Vegetius, who wrote his military matters in about AD 390, so to me it seems like it is a 'late Roman' name, as I don't know it from earlier sources. So yes, it may be a late Roman gladius, but I would not call a 1st century short sword (usually reffered to as gladius) a semispatha.
________________________________________
Jvrjenivs Peregrinvs Magnvs / FEBRVARIVS
A.K.A. Jurjen Draaisma
CORBVLO and Fectio
ALA I BATAVORUM
Jvrjenivs Peregrinvs Magnvs / FEBRVARIVS
A.K.A. Jurjen Draaisma
CORBVLO and Fectio
ALA I BATAVORUM