RomanArmyTalk

Full Version: Clava lignea\'s length
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Hello!

There was a standard length for the sword used in the trainings? there is some source apart from Vegetius?

Thank's :wink:
I would say your training sword has to have the same dimensions as your 'normal' sword. Otherwise your training will not be very effective.
I would go wit hthat idea. I would want to train with a rudis the same size and shape as my mainz, or whatever other sword I was using....
I read somewhere they were lead weighted too? Any validity to that?
Quote:I would go wit hthat idea. I would want to train with a rudis the same size and shape as my mainz, or whatever other sword I was using....
I read somewhere they were lead weighted too? Any validity to that?

You must to say clava lignea, or only clava, not rudis (gladiatorial sword).
See Vegetius:

"Antiqui, sicut inuenitur in libris, hoc genere exercuere tirones. Scuta de uimine in modum cratium conrotundata texebant, ita ut duplum pondus cratis haberet, quam scutum publicum habere consueuit. Idemque clauas ligneas dupli aeque ponderis pro gladiis tironibus dabant."


I think that isn't necessary to use lead because a normal gladius weighted more or less 800 gr, and it's easy to get the double weight with timber.

Vale
Curious, because clava normally design a club. So, we can think they have used some coarse piece of wood, instead the well elaborated wooden swords.