The Gladius: The Roman Short Sword

by M.C. Bishop, Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

Overview

One of the most feared weapons in the ancient world, the gladius was lethal both on the battlefield and in the arena. Literary sources tell of the terror it inspired, while archaeological evidence of wounds inflicted is testament to its deadly effect. By pulling together strands of literary, sculptural and archaeological evidence renowned expert M.C. Bishop creates a narrative of the gladius' development, exploring the way in which the shape of the short sword changed as soldiers and gladiators evolved their fighting style.
Drawing together historical accounts, excavated artefacts and the results of the latest scientific analyses of the blades, this volume reveals the development, technology, training and use of the gladius hispaniensis: the sword that conquered the Mediterranean.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472815873
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	11/17/2016
Series:	Weapon , #51
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	80
File size:	26 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Writer, publisher and archaeologist M.C. Bishop is an authority on all aspects of Ancient Rome at war, with particular emphasis on arms and armour of the era. He has written, co-written or edited dozens of books and articles on the subject, and leads tours of Hadrian's Wall and other Roman sites. This is Mike's first book for Osprey.

Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.
Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn, leading him to study Illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction / Development / Use / Impact / Conclusion / Bibliography / Index

Editorial Reviews

"I found the section on ‘Manufacture’ quite enlightening as M. C. Bishop utilizes scientific analysis of the blades to further understanding the evolution of the gladius." - IPMS/USA

From the Publisher