Semispathae

[markusaurelius]

I realize this was a semi-spatha thread to start, and it has sort of turned into the dagger realm. From my research of the 4th century there are really no finds at all of "daggers". All that exists in the archeological records are these large wide knives. These are found in graves all over the Roman Empire during this period.

IMO either everyone decided to become a cook in the late empire or these were mutipurpose knives. Something to cut some food or put 15cm into an enemies

Regarding more info on the Dur sheath. I could not find anything further in my Dura finds by Simon James. This leather chape was also found. Possibly for a Dagger instead of a sword?

[attachment=8773]Duras-Chape-leather.jpg[/attachment]