03-16-2007, 06:50 PM
Actually, the Guttmann gladius might have belonged to a Centurio- it's marked with the 'standard' centuria consisting of the chevron indicating a Centurio (>) and that Centurio's name (how Centuria were denoted), but then the same name is repeated below, which seems the way the owner's name would be done- Centuria/ owner- it's just a theory, but seems quite reasonable to me. And it's no more ornate or decorated than any other pompeiensis- less-so actaully since some have partial tinning as background contrast.
To answer the question though, Cesar's right that the use of some precious metals seems a reasonable choice to separate a Centurio's weapon from another- and the use of ivory for the handle maybe too. It depends on the time period you're doing as well. For all we know it might have been just that a Centurio would have a superior weapon- a better-made blade (makes more sense to spend money on that than decoration).
Matt
To answer the question though, Cesar's right that the use of some precious metals seems a reasonable choice to separate a Centurio's weapon from another- and the use of ivory for the handle maybe too. It depends on the time period you're doing as well. For all we know it might have been just that a Centurio would have a superior weapon- a better-made blade (makes more sense to spend money on that than decoration).
Matt
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