Gladius and Spatha: Swords and Warfare in the Classical World

Ancient Greece and Rome, also referred to as the Classical world, laid the foundation for Western civilization. Because of their geographical proximity to one another and to the Mediterranean Sea, the countries shared many similarities with respect to culture and weapons.

The early Greek swords used by infantry had straight two-edged blades, without taper, of equal width from hilt to point. The Spartan sword measured only 14 to 15 inches in length, and was by some considered short and non…