The Gladius: The Roman Short Sword

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Gladius: The Roman Short Sword
Authors and Contributors      By (author) M.C. Bishop
Illustrated by Peter Dennis
SeriesWeapon
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:80
Dimensions(mm): Height 248,Width 184
Category/GenreMilitary history
Militaria, arms and armour
ISBN/Barcode 9781472815859
ClassificationsDewey:623.4410937
Audience
General
Illustrations 64 col

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Publication Date 17 November 2016
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

One of the most feared weapons in the ancient world, the gladius was lethal both on the battlefield and in the arena. Literary sources tell of the terror it inspired, while archaeological evidence of wounds inflicted is testament to its deadly effect. By pulling together strands of literary, sculptural and archaeological evidence renowned expert M.C. Bishop creates a narrative of the gladius' development, exploring the way in which the shape of the short sword changed as soldiers and gladiators evolved their fighting style. Drawing together historical accounts, excavated artefacts and the results of the latest scientific analyses of the blades, this volume reveals the development, technology, training and use of the gladius hispaniensis: the sword that conquered the Mediterranean.

Author Biography

Writer, publisher and archaeologist M.C. Bishop is an authority on all aspects of Ancient Rome at war, with particular emphasis on arms and armour of the era. He has written, co-written or edited dozens of books and articles on the subject, and leads tours of Hadrian's Wall and other Roman sites. This is Mike's first book for Osprey. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Reviews

I found the section on 'Manufacture' quite enlightening as M. C. Bishop utilizes scientific analysis of the blades to further understanding the evolution of the gladius. - IPMS/USA