Albion Allectus Roman Gladius

The Roman Mainz pattern gladius is thought to have developed from the leaf-bladed short swords used on the Celt-Iberian peninsula (what is now Spain) and adopted for use in the Republican Roman Legions. Rather than fighting as individual warriors (like their enemies the Celts) the Roman legions fought in formation with overlapping shields, using their short stabbing / cutting swords to strike from behind this shield wall. This style of sword was developed to compliment the Roman's style of fighting.

The Mainz pattern is deeply waisted and has a long point section like the earlier gladius Hispaniensis, but is shorter and broader than its predecessor. Unlike the later Pompeii style, the Mainz pattern was still capable of delivering strong cutting blows, though its primary purpose was for thrusting.

The Albion Next Generation Allectus Roman Gladius is a beautiful example of the Mainz pattern Gladius. The blade is hand-ground from carbon steel to a fine satin finish, sharpened and heat-treated by hand in the Albion Forge Shop. The guard and pommel are hand-crafted of walnut, the grip turned from holly, and the inset guard plate and pommel nut are of bronze. Weighs approximately 1 Pound 11 Ounces.