segmentata

[Tarbicus]

Not to mention the fact that Segmenta was not in service for the 200 years or so following the initial introduction of the Spanish Sword, which we know Polybius considered good for both thrust and cut. A slow process of change indeed, hardly a race.

Romans weren't using gladii against each other until the Civil Wars started by Caesar. No need. Celtic swords were rubbish, and mail sufficed plenty probably.

I really think that if the Roman military had an idea of who they were going up against, or had gone up against, that they would make the appropriate changes prior to or immediately after such an engagement. ..... It was created by a need.

Romans versus Romans: They'd recently finished scrapping with each other for many years, gladii on gladii, ergo.... IMHO.