Semispathae

[Robert Vermaat]

Do you think it would be "acceptable", for a late 4th century (Valentinianus) pannonian centurio kit, to get a "special" semispatha?

With so few sources about this weapon, anything is possible but nothing is secure. I mean, I have heard everything, from a 'new' short spatha, to a gladius-still-in-use, an early saex.. IF you decide on such a weapon, I think the main thing is that you must be prepared in how to explain it to your audience. My personal rule in such matters is: íf you can't explain it, best leave it'. If not, it becomes a carnival item. Not good.

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 disagree. I happen to think that in such a shield-wall to shield-wall situation, the spatha (which can be used under and over the scutum) has a better impact than any shorter sword. In such a situation, where the stabbing spear/lance is the first weapon, you don't use the slashing quality of the sptha, but the rerach of it. In that, it outclasses the short sword. Although the gladius wasn't exactly short, it's main use was, if I'm not mistaken, especially superior when there's room for a short stab at your opponent. In a tight shieldwall situation, this does not apply. Stabbing over or under the shield (if you don't have your lance anymore) is more effective with a longer blade than a shorter one.