06-07-2016, 09:03 AM
Here a couple of gladi pompei type, dating to the end of the 1st - beginning 2nd cent. AD
Both in good condition, they are absolutely remarkable for two reasons:
- first of all, they are inlaid.
We know several later ageminatae spathae but none gladius (as far as I know, of course).
XRF tests have been made on both of the inlays, showing that it is not aurichalcum, as one can expect, but gold. This is a lucky, because thanks to this, the status of conservation of the inlays is pretty perfect. Orichalcum would have not have been so good. Anyhow, golden inlays on a gladius is a very interesting scientific information.
One shows the classic Mars, with the expected helmet, shield and spear, the other shows a more stylized winged Victoria, handling the usual laurel crown.
- Second, as far as I know, this is the only known couple of twin gladii. Found together, they are quite exactly alike, (below dimensional details in mm and gr.)
Mars gladius Victory gladius
Total lenght 605 605
Blade lenght 465 461
Blade width 39 38
Shoulder width 42 42
point 60 60
thickness 6.5 5.5
weight 536 463
Being a river finding, I guess they were a votive offer of a higher rank than a private legionary, but this is only a guess of mine.
To whom interested in restoration, I add an image showing the steps of the cleaning of the Mars inlay, where is possible to see the original status untill the end of the cleaning proceedings.
Both in good condition, they are absolutely remarkable for two reasons:
- first of all, they are inlaid.
We know several later ageminatae spathae but none gladius (as far as I know, of course).
XRF tests have been made on both of the inlays, showing that it is not aurichalcum, as one can expect, but gold. This is a lucky, because thanks to this, the status of conservation of the inlays is pretty perfect. Orichalcum would have not have been so good. Anyhow, golden inlays on a gladius is a very interesting scientific information.
One shows the classic Mars, with the expected helmet, shield and spear, the other shows a more stylized winged Victoria, handling the usual laurel crown.
- Second, as far as I know, this is the only known couple of twin gladii. Found together, they are quite exactly alike, (below dimensional details in mm and gr.)
Mars gladius Victory gladius
Total lenght 605 605
Blade lenght 465 461
Blade width 39 38
Shoulder width 42 42
point 60 60
thickness 6.5 5.5
weight 536 463
Being a river finding, I guess they were a votive offer of a higher rank than a private legionary, but this is only a guess of mine.
To whom interested in restoration, I add an image showing the steps of the cleaning of the Mars inlay, where is possible to see the original status untill the end of the cleaning proceedings.
Marco
Civis Romanus Optime Iure Sum
Civis Romanus Optime Iure Sum
