This type of weapon is a straight, double-edged sword used by the Roman military. Distinguished examples often feature precious metal adornments on the hilt. Specifically, the handgrip’s counterweight and the hand protector at the base of the blade may incorporate gilded elements for enhanced aesthetic and potential status signaling.
Such embellishments reflected the owner’s wealth, rank, or achievements within the army. The presence of valuable components not only signified the sword’s functional purpose in combat, but also its symbolic significance as an emblem of power and authority. Historically, these weapons provide valuable insights into Roman military culture and the social hierarchy of the time.
