Pompeii Gladius Roman Sword
The Pompeii Gladius was the classic Imperial Roman short sword, named for where an original was found in the ruins of Pompeii (reliably dating from 79 CE). This recreation is based on one pictured in Michael Simkins' Warriors of Rome, though all the hilt components are hand-made, and no two are exactly alike. The oval guard and flattened spherical pommel are hand-carved brass with an inset brass guard plate, and the grip is natural bone. The diamond cross-section blade, heat-treated at the Deepeeka for maximum flexibility and cutting performance, has a 50 percent distal taper. This gladius, unlike many others on the market, has a very strong rectangular tang throughout, and is peened and threaded for extra strength. This is the sword that conquered most of the known world.