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+--- Thread: semispatha, suitable for 3rd c miles? (/showthread.php?tid=19763)
semispatha, suitable for 3rd c miles? - magister clarissimus - 10-31-2011
I have been going through some old threads about the semispatha. As I am putting together a mid third century kit, I have some questions regarding this weapon.
-Would the semispatha be an appropriate weapon for an impression of a foot soldier or lower officer along the western limes?
-Was the semispatha a main (stabbing/slashing) weapon for the short range which the miles could rely on after having used his spear? Or was it a secondary weapon, worn together with a longer spatha, sames as the pugio in earlier times? I read in the older threads that some regarded it as a secondary weapon, is this (still) the main point of view?
Any help is appreciated!
Re: semispatha, suitable for 3rd c miles? - Robert Vermaat - 11-01-2011
Quote: -Would the semispatha be an appropriate weapon for an impression of a foot soldier or lower officer along the western limes?Although the information is not 100% clear I would say yes, you could use it in such a reconstruction.
Quote:-Was the semispatha a main (stabbing/slashing) weapon for the short range which the miles could rely on after having used his spear? Or was it a secondary weapon, worn together with a longer spatha, sames as the pugio in earlier times? I read in the older threads that some regarded it as a secondary weapon, is this (still) the main point of view?Again, not 100% clear information, but I would consider it as a secondary weapon. Spatha development for the infantry would indicate it as such, rather than as a primary replacement for the gladius.