06-09-2009, 07:56 PM
Ave! I have been reading the material on this forum for the past few weeks with great interest, and have decided to join.
I have several questions about the pugio utilized by Roman legionaries that I am hoping someone can help me with.
1. I know that the pugio, like the gladius, was based on Hispanic models, but at what point was it adopted by Roman troops? Would it have been in use as early as the Punic Wars?
2. Was the pugio limited to the legionary infantry, or would it have also been utilized by auxiliaries, marines, cavalrymen, etc?
3. At what point did the pugio drop out of use? I have read a theory that it dropped out of use during the 2nd Century but resurfaced for the early 3rd Century. In his Osprey book 'Imperial Roman Legionary AD 161 - 284', Ross Cowan suggests that the dagger was in use even up to the end of that time frame.
4. Is there evidence for pugiones, or daggers based on them, being carried by soldiers, Roman or Germanic, of the Migrations period?
Thanks,
Jon
I have several questions about the pugio utilized by Roman legionaries that I am hoping someone can help me with.
1. I know that the pugio, like the gladius, was based on Hispanic models, but at what point was it adopted by Roman troops? Would it have been in use as early as the Punic Wars?
2. Was the pugio limited to the legionary infantry, or would it have also been utilized by auxiliaries, marines, cavalrymen, etc?
3. At what point did the pugio drop out of use? I have read a theory that it dropped out of use during the 2nd Century but resurfaced for the early 3rd Century. In his Osprey book 'Imperial Roman Legionary AD 161 - 284', Ross Cowan suggests that the dagger was in use even up to the end of that time frame.
4. Is there evidence for pugiones, or daggers based on them, being carried by soldiers, Roman or Germanic, of the Migrations period?
Thanks,
Jon
Jonathan
"Fortune favors the bold"
"Fortune favors the bold"