Why change to the Spatha?

[Paullus Scipio]

So, basically, you are going with the theory that says Romans werew Crap at armoury?

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...gentlemen, I fear your 'quality of ancient swords' debate is descending into an either/or one......when the reality is almost certainly that sword quality varied, then as now, from cheap and nasty, bend or shatter the first time you used it in earnest and hold an edge for about 30 seconds; to bend it with your foot hard and watch it spring back every time and be razor- sharp without being touched for over 200 years.......I have real swords of both qualities in my modest collection! D

Kormak had to fight a duel with Bersi... "He had an iron sword of his own, but thought he would have a better chance if he didn't have to stop and straighten it under his foot every third blow (!)." He then goes to find Skeggi to borrow the sword Skofnung.

.....which illustrates the above point ( that sword quality varied) rather nicely !! wink: