Lot 43
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st century CE. A formidable relic of Roman military might, this iron gladius blade dates to the height of the Roman Republic or early Empire. Once wielded by a legionary soldier, this weapon speaks to the standardized efficiency and brutal elegance of Roman warfare. Forged in iron, the blade features the classic double-edged leaf-shaped form that made the gladius ideal for close combat - compact enough for stabbing in tight ranks, yet broad enough for powerful slashing cuts. The weapon's proportions reflect the practical genius of Roman military engineering. The blade tapers toward a sharp point and broadens slightly at midsection, a design optimized for both penetration and strength. The tang, pierced with rivet holes, would have been fitted with a grip of wood, bone, or horn, often capped with a spherical pommel. Though the hilt is now lost, the mounting holes remain clearly visible, a direct physical link to the craftsmanship of its original assembly. Size: 2" W x 19.3" H (5.1 cm x 49 cm); 20.3" H (51.6 cm) on included custom stand.
This style of gladius, often associated with the Mainz or Fulham typologies, emerged during the late Republican and early Imperial periods. It would have been carried in a scabbard suspended from a soldier's belt or baldric, ready to be drawn in the disciplined, face-to-face combat that defined Rome's battlefield dominance. Surface pitting and oxidation testify to its centuries buried beneath the earth, but the blade's form remains powerfully intact. Mounted upright, the piece stands as a silent witness to the empire's expansion across three continents - a tool of conquest, discipline, and imperial order.
Provenance: private Boca Raton, Florida, USA collection acquired from Baidun Gallery, Jerusalem, Israel
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#194776
- Condition: Weathering to surface with pitting and oxidation commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact with impressive form and rich patina throughout.
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