Albion Roman Auxilia Spatha

The spatha, or long sword, was originally the weapon of the Roman cavalry units. Longer than the infantry gladius, it gave the reach and cutting power needed from horseback. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, the spatha gradually replaced the gladius as the infantry sword, probably due to the large numbers of Celtic/Germanic recruits that then populated the legions in the late Empire.

The Albion Auxilia has a comfortable heft that balances liveliness with hitting power. Overall weight is low and the distribution of mass results in a soft forward pull that helps direct the edge during a cut. It is easy to understand why swords such as these were essential weapons for the Roman cavalry man. The hilt is an all wood construction, with a reinforcing guard plate of bronze inleted into the forward end of the guard, and a mushroom shaped rivet block. The guard and pommel are hand turned after the example of surviving specimens. The grip has an eight sided cross section with finger groves that provides a firm purchase and a clear indication of the direction of the edge. The seemingly simple shape of roman sword hilts is an ingenious design, where the components and their form are reduced to the essential minimum, while expressing a stark elegance. The walnut wood hilt is given a 24 hr soak in linseed oil, left to harden over 48 hours and then polished on a cloth wheel. This treatment helps to seal the wood against moisture and gives a soft satin sheen that deepens the natural colors. The blade is made of high carbon steel with a diamond cross section and fully sharpened edges.