Spatha was a sword used by Roman Empire's warriors during barbaric invasions. Firstly they were carried by cavalry members and then also by infantry members.
This Roman sword is shown as a long, straight blade and double-edged combat sword. As a descendant from the sword Gladius, it had the same materials: wood or bronze in its handle and knob, althought sometimes we could appreciate brass in them.
Its handle was usually made of bones from several animal, but also leather or wood. Its scabbard was normally covered in leather and some metal motifs. This sort of sword was conceived to attack the ennemy from a far distance, using cutting hits instead of thrustings.
The main difference between the Gladius and the Spatha was its size, a Spatha was usually 75-100 cms long.
Given that Spatha was harder to handle than Gladius, it offered to roman soldiers a safe distance when they fought against barbarians.
Why Spatha has replaced Gladius?
During Barbarian invasions, Roman Empire's soldiers had huge difficulties to hold back their enemies. Although barbarian tactics were not really developed, they won many battles due to two main motivations: savageness and weapons.
The weapons barabarians used the most, were axes and swords. Their swords were long, as it was common in nordic countries, a hand and a half or two hands, usually.
By using this kind of swords, they cold keep roman soldies at distance, withouth giving them the chance to fight back, given that Gladius swords were mainly used for close combat and throwing thrusts. That's why Roman Army had to change their weaponry and train soldiers how to use long swords. Many experts conclude that this change has implied the Roman Empire lost of prestige and fall.
Soldiers training with this new sword, provoked the study of new offensive techniques; it meant the disappearance of thrust as the most famous hit. The first soldiers to use them were cavalry members who needed a longer sword to slash their enemies while they ride their horses.
The rest of roman soldiers carried this kind of sword later. As they did with Gladius, it was normal to train with Spathas made of wood in order to avoid getting injured. Gladiators fought with Spatha by the end of the Roman Empire.
Spatha was a relevant weapon for the Roman Army, to hold back barbarian invasions. We have at your disposal a huge range of replicas, some of them could be conceived as specially designed for collectors.
You can choose among our catalogue the one you like, if you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us.