The Gladius: The Roman Short Sword (Weapon) - Softcover

Bishop, M.C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472815858 ISBN 13: 9781472815859

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2016

Synopsis

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 artifacts, 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.

About this title

About the Author:

Writer, publisher, and archaeologist M.C. Bishop is an authority of Ancient Rome at war, with an emphasis on arms and armor. 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 his first book for Osprey.

Peter Dennis studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, including many Osprey titles. He is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Review:

"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

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1472815858
• ISBN 13: 9781472815859
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Dennis Peter