11-13-2004, 04:56 AM
Avete !<br>
<br>
My understanding is that the gladius was ideal for small (or smaller) men fighting against much taller ones.<br>
<br>
I recall reading somewhere that by the time of Claudius' invasion of Britain, the Roman army's makeup consisted of 90 % non-Italians.<br>
<br>
So as the height of the average legionary increased over the decades, wouldn't it have increasingly seemed ridiculous for a 6 foot legionary (for example) to be using a gladius against an opponent of similar stature ?<br>
<br>
My guess is that the Romans tried to adapt their weapons to their now taller legionaries .<br>
<br>
-Theo<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
My understanding is that the gladius was ideal for small (or smaller) men fighting against much taller ones.<br>
<br>
I recall reading somewhere that by the time of Claudius' invasion of Britain, the Roman army's makeup consisted of 90 % non-Italians.<br>
<br>
So as the height of the average legionary increased over the decades, wouldn't it have increasingly seemed ridiculous for a 6 foot legionary (for example) to be using a gladius against an opponent of similar stature ?<br>
<br>
My guess is that the Romans tried to adapt their weapons to their now taller legionaries .<br>
<br>
-Theo<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
Jaime
