Roman Celtic Ancient Gladius Sword Military Amulet - Bronze Talisman Ancient Noricum, 1st-4th orders century AD

Ancient Roman Celtic, 1st-4th century AD. bronze gladius / sword amulet. One of the most attractive and desirable ancient amulets. Issued to a soldier (Legionary). Gladius (Latin: glădĭus) was one Latin word for sword and is used to represent the primary sword of Ancient Roman foot soldiers. Early ancient Roman swords were similar to those used by the Greeks. From the 3rd century BC, the Romans adopted swords similar to those used by the Celtiberians and others during the early part of the conquest of Hispania. This sword was known as the Gladius Hispaniensis, or "Hispanic Sword". A fully equipped Roman legionary after the reforms of Gaius Marius was armed with a shield (scutum), one or two javelins (pila), a sword (gladius), often a dagger (pugio), and perhaps, in the later Empire period, darts (plumbatae). Conventionally, the javelins would be thrown to disable the shields and disrupt the formation of the enemy before engaging in close combat, for which the gladius would be drawn. The orders soldier generally led with his shield and thrust with his sword. All types of gladius appear to have also been suitable for cutting and chopping motions as well as for thrusting.

These prized amulets are for recipients that were Legionary. In some a single hole goes through the blade, believed to be representative of a hole in the body. "I may have a hole in my body but I shall fight on." As this Gladius does not have this hole it is possible it is a Gladiator gladius amulet. Measuring nearly 2 inches, the largest sword measures 1 1/4 inches. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and lifetime money-back guarantee; so buy with confidence!