Gladius length question

[Bryan]

The original Gladius Hispaniensis had a blade length of 25-27" (63-68cm). These were the swords used from their adoption in the 3rd Cent BC to the late 1st Cent. BC, when they seem to become replaced by a slightly shorter but wider and more waisted Mainz style. The Spathae was a later development, a longer cavalry blade as compared to the shorter Pompeii style infantry variants. Hundreds of years went by before the Gladius Hispaniensis sword was abandoned before the Spathae became common among the Roman cavalry and then infantry.

[img width=400]https://portalhistoria.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/cena_pagana_gladius.jpg[/img]

Here's some more information on it: Characteristics of the Xiphos verus Gladius