The spatha was a type of straight and long sword, measuring between 0.5 and 1 metre (20 and 40 inches), with a handle length of between 18 and 20 centimetres (7 and 8 inches), in use in the …

Apr 22, 2025 · The spatha represented a pivotal evolution in European swordsmithing, bridging the gap between the Roman legionary’s short gladius and the knightly swords of the Middle Ages.

May 8, 2024 · The spatha was a Roman longsword, used primarily by cavalry in the Roman military. Spathii are longer than infantry swords, this replica is approximately 98 centimeters (Figure 1), …

The spatha is not just a weapon: it is a marker of tactical change and a key piece in the construction of Late Roman military identity. Its diffusion has Celtic and Germanic roots, but its standardization …

The meaning of SPATHA is a broadsword with blunt point used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Dec 4, 2025 · spatha (plural spathas or spathae) (historical) A type of straight sword originating from the first-century Roman Empire. It was worn typically by cavalry officers and is a long version of the left …

Mar 4, 2024 · The spatha, thus, emerged not just as a weapon but as a response to evolving combat needs, embodying the adaptability of the Roman military strategy. By the 3rd and 4th centuries, this …

That is the legacy of the gladius, but it is arguably less significant than the longer spatha, which lasted longer and ranged wider than the short sword ever could.

Oct 31, 2025 · The spatha (plural: spathae) is a Latin word meaning "broad sword." It was a type of sword used extensively by the Roman military and later adopted by various cultures across Europe …

The spatha was a longer cavalry sword favored by mounted units and heavy infantry and was inspired by the Gauls and Celts in western Europe.