02-20-2013, 04:52 AM
Do you think it would be "acceptable", for a late 4th century (Valentinianus) pannonian centurio kit, to get a "special" semispatha?
Meaning: other than the gladii-like short swords found in late roman military context (and here I mean the ones, which are clearly not just broken spathae), I'm able to imagine a dagger-like sica (300-400 mm on the outer curve at most, but I can find no material find younger than I-II. centuries AD), or maybe an early shorter seax (though I only know finds from the 6th century).
It is clear, that in a tight, shield pushing situation (which is really common according to experiences and eye-witness accounts) the spatha is worthless. You will never fight effectively with a min. 700 mm blade length sword against one with a gladius-like one, if you are umbo-to-umbo (this is why the sica was effective reaching behind the shield fast).
I don't want to take it to Fantasy Avenue, I'm really trying to stay authentic with a military sidearm (and not just a knife).
Meaning: other than the gladii-like short swords found in late roman military context (and here I mean the ones, which are clearly not just broken spathae), I'm able to imagine a dagger-like sica (300-400 mm on the outer curve at most, but I can find no material find younger than I-II. centuries AD), or maybe an early shorter seax (though I only know finds from the 6th century).
It is clear, that in a tight, shield pushing situation (which is really common according to experiences and eye-witness accounts) the spatha is worthless. You will never fight effectively with a min. 700 mm blade length sword against one with a gladius-like one, if you are umbo-to-umbo (this is why the sica was effective reaching behind the shield fast).
I don't want to take it to Fantasy Avenue, I'm really trying to stay authentic with a military sidearm (and not just a knife).
Mark - Legio Leonum Valentiniani