Basing a Parazonium of that of Germanicus Casear\'s

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

Ave,

Since I already have an eagle's head on my Gladius sword, I tried to make my Parazonium based on the more traditional Hellenistic style; modeling mine on the Parazonium of General Germanicus Caesar.

All the details along with step by step photos of the construction are here:
http://www.congiano.com/Extras/Recreati ... onium.html



I did my best to base the Hellenistic carved hilt on the Parazonium that Germanicus had. Although it's a little hard to see in the photo, I did carve out the details using my dremel before painting.


I based the two line trim on this second example from Athens


I used 11 gauge steel for the blade and hilt, I went with a full tang… although in retrospect I probably should have wrapped the wood handle all the way around… oh well, next time I guess.

I picked up some aspen hard wood for the handle and scabbard, I had some left over white leather for the scabbard covering, and I finished off the scabbard with K&S brass and red paint.

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

I based the leaf shape Parazonium blade on that of the hellenistic xiphos.



I really found this to be a very challanging project. I took almost 100 photos as I went along, if you want to see all the details please click this link: http://www.congiano.com/Extras/Recreati ... onium.html

If you want the abridged version... below are a few montages showing the construction. Please let me know what you think and please be gentle, this is my first attempt at a sword.

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

These are a few other references of Parazoniums in scuplture from antiquity... thanks Travis!!!

[Theodosius the Great]

Anthony,

That's astonishing ! You just came off finishing a helmet and now you come out with a complete parazonium. You seem to work at light-speed hock:

As with the Attic helmet, no detail has gone unnoticed and they've been faithfully replicated

I just wonder if maybe the blade itself should also be brass (or more properly, Bronze) since this is more Hellenistic. Interesting shape. I'm not much familiar with Greek weapons but now I've developed an interest because of your work.

Great photos. Thanks for posting them :!:

Laudes to you.

~Theo

[Aetius Helvius Merula]

Laudes, Antonivs! I like the effect white/red/brass color combo.

[tlclark]

Great work!

Why the sandwich construction? I know that's the way the xiphos was made. Is that why?

[Et tu brute]

That looks brilliant Anthony, your a true craftsman, laudes!

[brennivs - tony drake]

Great work Antonivs love the pics step by step Lavdes from me
Regards Brennivs

[Cassius Tullius]

Is it possible that the Parazonium wasn't an actual weapon but like the Fasces an insignia to be carried and displayed?

Lictors served as honor guards of the Senate. The Fasces, an axe surrounded by a bundle of sticks, was an improbable weapon. Still it was a recognized symbol of the Roman governance and power of Rome.

The Parzonium lacks the lean utility of a sidearm. It's presentation in statuary might be as an insignia of the Army. It may have actualy have been carried to be seen but as an insignia it need not have been anything more than an ornate and painted carving. Where a blade is incorporated, might just be a novelty of expression.

Is there any literary evidence that it was actualy employed as a weapon?

[Magnus]

Great job again!

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

Ave,

THANKS EVERYONE!

Why the sandwich construction? I know that's the way the xiphos was made. Is that why?

You basically nailed it, the Xiphos was really the only real thing I had to go by. However; I also didn’t have any real close up photos of a Parazonium until I was half way through the project. In retrospect…. I could have enclosed the tang… oh well, next time!

Is it possible that the Parazonium wasn't an actual weapon but like the Fasces an insignia to be carried and displayed?

I would venture to guess… yes and no. I think it was more of a status symbol, judging by the way it’s held in heroic fashion but, I also think it only makes sense for it to also be an actual short sword or long dagger… aka a weapon. I recall reading somewhere that an officer would drop his Parazonium for a gladius when in battle but, I don’t remember where I read that.

Okay... I'm heading on holiday!!! It's off to New Hampshire for a week to relax and go camping!!!

[brennivs - tony drake]

Have a safe trip happy camping
Regards Brennivs

[Titus Aetius]

This piece of art is really astonishing!

Great work! And laudes of course...

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

Congratulations,Anthony.Laudes.
Very close to the artifacts!I have a tip to point out,though.The hilt guard,that you made one piece,must have been two pieces.The lower one part of the scabard,and the upper curved one,the actual hilt guard,that "locks" in the scabard.This has come from my research on the hoplite xiphos,and the parazonio seems to come streight forward from the classical xiphos.The evolution is clear from the late bronze age through the archaic and classical times.Even Philip's sword is slightly different than the middle classical ones and closer to the Hellenistic,descendant of which is your parazonium.
Here are some pics of my hoplite xiphos of the middle classical times.Based on vases,different archaeological finds,among which the dagger posted and the Vergina finds.
Your woodwork is definately much better than mine(both skill and tools,since I don't have any)

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

This has the exact shape of the hoplite xiphos.However,you can look at the size,compared to the foot guards!It's an "enkheiridion" or dagger actually.My sword has a blade 39 cm long,if I remember well.The hoplite swords had any possible variations in size,from 30 to 60 cm long blade.The overall length with the hilt is 52 cm,if I remember correctly,matched to other xiphi.
Khaire
Giannis

PS.Obviously,I used wood instead of ivory...