06-18-2002, 06:11 PM
Some time ago, probably the late 80's, I checked a book out of the library which, IIRC, was about ancient weapons. In it there was a reference to the gladius being responsible for more battlefield deaths than any other weapon up until the development of gunpowder. The author also relates an anecdote about a Macedonian commander trying to rev up his troops before one of the big battles with the Romans (Cynocephalae?) by making an impassioned speech and then pulling a cover off the bodies of some of their comrades killed by a Roman patrol. The Greeks, used to neat little puncture wounds from spears, were horrified and demoralized by the gaping wounds caused by the gladii. I could not locate the book in the library when I went back looking for it some time later because I cannot remember the author or the title. Any assistance in running down this elusive volume would be greatly appreciated. <p></p><i></i>
