| If you were to ask, "What ancient empire | | | | alternate methods to overcome the weak tensile |
| dramatically changed the world?", the answer | | | | strength of a long sword made of iron, or bronze |
| would undoubtedly be the Roman Empire. And | | | | metal. A process of folding the metal, known as |
| when you think of that Empire, you cannot help | | | | 'pattern welding' folded alternate layers of iron and |
| but remember their legendary military prowess, | | | | steel together to create a composite metal. |
| and the weapons they used. The Roman swords | | | | The Gladius was shorter and primarily used soft |
| were basic and very effective, consisting of two | | | | iron, which could not hold an edge. Coal dust was |
| primary swords types - the Gladius, and the | | | | used on the face of the anvil to carburize the |
| Spatha. | | | | blade, during the forming process. This was |
| The Spatha was longer than it's cousin the Gladius | | | | necessary, because the Spatha blade could not |
| and was often used by cavalry, and was usually | | | | hold an edge before the carbon of the 'coke |
| sheathed on the left side. The length varied | | | | powder' could be added to the exterior of the |
| somewhat longer than about 0.75m and seldom | | | | blade, which process hardened the blade. |
| reached a full meter. The shape of the sword | | | | Today the Roman sword replicas are beautiful in |
| was straight, leaf shaped and pointed at the tip in | | | | their simplicity. There are many different ways to |
| a 'V' design. Much like the Gladius, the design of | | | | display such works of art. Perhaps a room |
| the tip was geared for powerful thrusting, while | | | | dedicated to ancient history might include one of |
| the edge was also quite adept and inflicting deep | | | | these swords prominently displayed with Roman |
| cuts. | | | | busts, majestic pillars, and images of an historic |
| The handle is void of the well known 'cross-guard' | | | | empire at its' peak. The gleaming blade is wide and |
| typified by the medieval swords several centuries | | | | ample to draw the attention of any passing |
| later. The 'fuller' was employed in the | | | | visitor, and intimidating enough with the sharp |
| development of both the Spatha and Gladius | | | | pointed 'V' tip design, that you truly understand |
| sword along the length of the blade to reduce | | | | what the purpose of this blade was in ancient |
| weight but maintain structural robustness, much | | | | times. These blades are solid pieces of art that |
| like the I-beam used in construction. | | | | remind a person of a history long since passed, |
| The Spatha because of its' length, required | | | | and a history ready to be made. |