what is your favorite type of gladius?

[TITVS PVLLO]

which style gladius is your favorite?

hispaniensis?

mainz?

fulham?

pompeii?

[tlclark]

A sharp one. :wink:

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Because my group is in the mid-late 1st c I have a Pompeii gladius but my first choice was Mainz.

[Matt Lukes]

Pompeiensis definitely. The hispaniensis isn't 'Roman' enough, and I find the other 'Roman' ones, mainzensis and fulhamensis, a tad large and less-elegant than the pompeiensis, which is simple, elegant and right to the point (forgive the pun :lol: )

[Gaius_Calvus]

Mainz. Definitely the Mainz.

I am also a mid-first century re-enactor, but limiting yourself to a Pompeii presumes that all of a sudden, the Roman Army said "OK, lads, turn in your old gladii -- here are your new ones."

The US military does not do that (I'm in the US Army) and I don't see the Roman Army doing it, either -- not cost-effective. These gladii had to have been phased in over time, IMHO.

So, if you are thinking about which one to use for a particular period, I belive that you have a good bit of latitude, with in reason.

Calvus

[stevesarak]

It would have to be the Mainz, the brutality of the design encompasses the thinking and spirit of the old Republic. It was defiantly a weapon that reflected the time.

Let those that would defy Rome, beware.

[Virilis]

My choice is also the Mainz style gladius with one reservation: the tapering part of the tip should be at least one third of the whole length of the blade, otherwise it look strangely "stubby" in my opinion...

Has anyone else noticed those older Albion pompeii gladiuses with an abnormally short triangular tips? They look awful in my opinion :x ...

[Magnus]

I'll go pompeii...not as vicious looking as the Mainz, but I bet it's a lot easier to produce in larger numbers because of the simpler design. Plus it was the first type of roman sword I ever owned...so I have to go with the nostalgia of it all.

[Robert Vermaat]

A sharp one. :wink:

Oi! I was gonna say that! 8)

[arklore70]

For Looks, the Mainz.

For balance and sheer effectiveness as a killing tool, the Pompeii. Maybe it is just the way it feels in my hand, but the Pompeii I have feels like an extension of my arm where the Mainz feels top heavy.

Just my humble opinion.

I like them all actually

All great blades.

Mike

[TraderTrey9785]

I think the Pompeii style is about as good as you can get...a very simple design, and when well handled, very effective. However, by design and just for sheer looks, I think the Fulham is perhaps the most beautiful. There is something about a "wasp-waisted" sword, as well as the width of the blade that is just intriguing.

[markusaurelius]

Pompeii for me. Good standard weapon.

Although I personally enjoy some of the later Century equipment and must say that the Legionary Spatha is intriguing as is the semi-spatha. A beautiful pattern welded blade!

[Matthew]

Gladius Hispanicus, just can't beat that old world feel...

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Mainz! Most definately.
I have two Albion Mainz Gladii, and while you could say their first was tip heavy, this is possibly bue to the grip being on the aneamic side.
On their most recent version, with a thicker grip, it is the perfect gladius.
Also, I love the waisted design!
The perfect weapon for a legionary.

B. Angel
S.P.Q.R.

[SOCL]

Pompeii, merely because of looks. :roll: