07-29-2004, 03:10 AM
Thanks, that confirms what I said above.<br>
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I admit I don't do Roman enactment; the sword I use is an 11th century Norman bastard one, thus I only tried to imagine what I would do if I had only a gladius. Aim for the belly, was my idea. The victim will end up on the ground, pressing both hands to what is an extremely painful wound (ever had appendicitis?) and not be in a shape to stab at you. Moreover, the higher thrust would mean your elbow pokes out. I don't know how good the enemies of the Romans were, but <strong>I</strong> would concentrate on those elbows. A solid blow, even with the shield, and the soldier in question will drop the gladius.<br>
<br>
To be honest, because of my fighting style, I would look for a spatha anyway.<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
I admit I don't do Roman enactment; the sword I use is an 11th century Norman bastard one, thus I only tried to imagine what I would do if I had only a gladius. Aim for the belly, was my idea. The victim will end up on the ground, pressing both hands to what is an extremely painful wound (ever had appendicitis?) and not be in a shape to stab at you. Moreover, the higher thrust would mean your elbow pokes out. I don't know how good the enemies of the Romans were, but <strong>I</strong> would concentrate on those elbows. A solid blow, even with the shield, and the soldier in question will drop the gladius.<br>
<br>
To be honest, because of my fighting style, I would look for a spatha anyway.<br>
<p></p><i></i>
