Sword

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This iron sword was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It is an example of a gladius, the common short sword of legionary infantry troops, used for thrusting in close fighting.

The blade and tang survive, although the edges of the sword are imperfect.

There were two classes of Roman soldiers: the elite legionary and the ordinary auxiliary, each with its own equipment. The legionary soldier wore plate armour, and carried a short stabbing sword (a gladius) and a special kind of throwing spear (a pilum).

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-831-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 138
• Date: Between 80 and 100 AD
  
• Material: Iron
  Sword, legionary / gladius
  
• Dimensions: Blade 19.50" L; tang 6.63"
  
• What: Sword, legionary / gladius
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Legionary sword or gladius from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p. 183, Pl. XXXIV, 11. 
• Translations:
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