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A gladius (gladius hispaniensis, the spanish sword) is a short sword, 60cm long, used by the Roman legionaries however, contrary to common opinion it was not used by gladiators who used a shorter bladed (30-35cm) version. In the 3rd century improvements in metal working technology which allowed the introduction of the spatha, finally antiquated the venerated gladius.
The gladius was crafted from soft iron and the exterior was carburized using coal dust on the face of the anvil. This was necessary because the soft iron was not hard enough to have taken an edge before the carbon of the coal powder was added to the exterior of the blade.
The gladius is straight and double-edged, with a V-shaped tip, and primarily constructed for thrusting action and use together with a large rectangular shield, the scutum. The cross-section of the gladius is typically rhomboid, providing the blade with good stability for stabbing.
The gladius is frequently depicted in coats of arms, especially of military corps.
The name is latin, and the diminutive form is gladiolus, also the name of a flowering plant with sword-shaped leaves.
Gladius is a videogame released in 2003 for the Xbox, Playstation 2, and Gamecube videogame consoles.
de:Gladius ja:グラディウス (武器) la:gladius pl:gladius
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