11-06-2002, 06:24 PM
Conal:<br>
The sica took many forms over its long history. About the only consistent features were that it was curved and it was single-edged. Early examples in sculpture show blades that appear to be from about 25cm to 50cm in length, some with a very slight curve, others with a very pronounced curve, like a large jambiyah. The famous sculpture of a thraex being pounced upon by a lion is of the latter description.<br>
In the first century the curvature became more pronounced and often took the form of an angle rather than a curve. It also seems to have grown from dagger to sword length. The grave stele of the 3rd century thraex Antonius Exochus shows his sica on the frame of the carving as if it was mounted on a wall at home, complete with little mounting-clips carved as well. With this amount of detail, it's fair to assume that the proportions are accurate too. Judging by the handle size, the blade of this weapon appears to be about 55cm or so, easily as big as a military gladius.<br>
These swords look strange and clumsy to us, but they were in use for a long time and there must have been some technique to their use. The extreme curve or angle would make for a gorily effective push-cut, and it may also have been handy for reaching around the opponent's larger shield. <p></p><i></i>
The sica took many forms over its long history. About the only consistent features were that it was curved and it was single-edged. Early examples in sculpture show blades that appear to be from about 25cm to 50cm in length, some with a very slight curve, others with a very pronounced curve, like a large jambiyah. The famous sculpture of a thraex being pounced upon by a lion is of the latter description.<br>
In the first century the curvature became more pronounced and often took the form of an angle rather than a curve. It also seems to have grown from dagger to sword length. The grave stele of the 3rd century thraex Antonius Exochus shows his sica on the frame of the carving as if it was mounted on a wall at home, complete with little mounting-clips carved as well. With this amount of detail, it's fair to assume that the proportions are accurate too. Judging by the handle size, the blade of this weapon appears to be about 55cm or so, easily as big as a military gladius.<br>
These swords look strange and clumsy to us, but they were in use for a long time and there must have been some technique to their use. The extreme curve or angle would make for a gorily effective push-cut, and it may also have been handy for reaching around the opponent's larger shield. <p></p><i></i>
