Ca. 100-200 AD A beautifully formed iron "Pompeii type" gladius, the blade with parallel cutting edges, a triangular tip, and a long tang. The Gladius was a key part of Roman military equipment and was used throughout the legions of the broad Roman empire. This was used in close quarter combat, and it was partially thanks to this short sword that Rome was able to control an empire that reached from North-Western Europe to the Near East and encompassed all the lands of the beautiful Mediterranean. This type of sword has been found throughout the Roman Empire including Britain. It is so-called after the four found at Pompeii and can, therefore, be dated to before the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD. Size: L:630mm / W:60mm ; 550g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.