Windlass Arena Gladius for Gladiators and Legionaries

The gladius was the short sword of Roman legionaries from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. This straight, double-edged weapon with Iberian roots was adopted by the Romans who first encountered the design during the Punic Wars as they fought Celtiberian mercenaries. 

While Celtic and Germanic tribes used long swords that needed more space to swing, the short gladius allowed Roman soldiers to deliver thrusting attacks in close formations. With time, variants such as the Mainz and Pompeii types followed. 

This beautiful version made by Windlass Steelcrafts is a battle-ready piece with a 1075 high carbon steel blade featuring the classic wasp-waisted silhouette. Complementing the sword’s design is a contrasting two-tone hilt with a glossy finish, as well as a brass plate / mini-guard at the base.