Early severan legionary: spatha or pompeii gladius??

[Caracalla]

I asked this question in the marketplace section, but I figured out it will be better overhere:

"Since I'm interested in the early Severan period and especially the creation of the three Parthian legions, which sword would a legionary, let's say 200 AD, have worn? Was the pompeii still in common use or would the main body of the legions already have switched to the spatha? "


Thanks,

Eve

[Crispvs]

As far as we know the Pompeii type would have been a thing of the distant past by then. Even ring pommels were probably old hat by Severus's time. It seems to be generally agreed that most soldiers were using the spatha by the time of Severus's accession.
It would be worth having a look at the finds from the Lyon burial and taking your lead from there, being that it is about the only complete set of sword and belt fittings (to date at any rate) dating to the period you are interested in.

Have a look at this thread:
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic. ... 99&start=0

If you have access to a copy of Bishop and Coulston there is also a good reconstuction drawing of the Lyon set there.


Crispvs

[Caracalla]

Thanks, Crispvs!

It would be worth having a look at the finds from the Lyon burial and taking your lead from there, being that it is about the only complete set of sword and belt fittings (to date at any rate) dating to the period you are interested in.

Any idea where I can find info about it?

Best,

Eve

[Crispvs]

There is a good reconstruction drawing about halfway down this page:
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=16500

It looks as if it has been scanned from Bishop and Coulston to me.


Crispvs