The Spatha

The Roman Long Sword

Nonfiction, Home & Garden, Antiques & Collectibles, Science & Nature, Technology, History
Cover of the book The Spatha by M.C. Bishop, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M.C. Bishop ISBN: 9781472832405
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: January 23, 2020
Imprint: Osprey Publishing Language: English
Author: M.C. Bishop
ISBN: 9781472832405
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: January 23, 2020
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Language: English

Adopted from the Celts in the 1st century BC, the spatha, a lethal and formidable chopping blade, became the primary sword of the Roman soldier in the Later Empire. Over the following centuries, the blade, its scabbard, and its system of carriage underwent a series of developments, until by the 3rd century AD it was the universal sidearm of both infantry and cavalry.

Thanks to its long reach, the spatha was the ideal cavalry weapon, replacing the long gladius hispaniensis in the later Republican period. As the manner in which Roman infantrymen fought evolved, styles of hand-to-hand combat changed so much that the gladius was superseded by the longer spatha during the 2nd century AD. Like the gladius, the spatha was technologically advanced, with a carefully controlled use of steel. Easy maintenance was key to its success and the spatha was designed to be easily repaired in the field where access to a forge may have been limited. It remained the main Roman sword into the Late Roman period and its influence survived into the Dark Ages with Byzantine, Carolingian and Viking blades.

Drawing together historical accounts, excavated artefacts and the results of the latest scientific analyses of the blades, renowned authority M.C. Bishop reveals the full history of the development, technology, training and use of the spatha: the sword that defended an empire.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Adopted from the Celts in the 1st century BC, the spatha, a lethal and formidable chopping blade, became the primary sword of the Roman soldier in the Later Empire. Over the following centuries, the blade, its scabbard, and its system of carriage underwent a series of developments, until by the 3rd century AD it was the universal sidearm of both infantry and cavalry.

Thanks to its long reach, the spatha was the ideal cavalry weapon, replacing the long gladius hispaniensis in the later Republican period. As the manner in which Roman infantrymen fought evolved, styles of hand-to-hand combat changed so much that the gladius was superseded by the longer spatha during the 2nd century AD. Like the gladius, the spatha was technologically advanced, with a carefully controlled use of steel. Easy maintenance was key to its success and the spatha was designed to be easily repaired in the field where access to a forge may have been limited. It remained the main Roman sword into the Late Roman period and its influence survived into the Dark Ages with Byzantine, Carolingian and Viking blades.

Drawing together historical accounts, excavated artefacts and the results of the latest scientific analyses of the blades, renowned authority M.C. Bishop reveals the full history of the development, technology, training and use of the spatha: the sword that defended an empire.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Secrets of the Seas by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Consumer Law and Policy by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Shah Abbas by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Fool Me Twice by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book A Dictionary of Environmental History by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Never Land by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Libby in the Middle by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Runaway Dream by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Soft Living Architecture by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Incarnation and Inspiration by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book State Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Among the Dead Cities by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Family Dancing by M.C. Bishop
Cover of the book Dalhuisen on Transnational Comparative, Commercial, Financial and Trade Law Volume 3 by M.C. Bishop
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy