Celtic Iberian (Spanish) Sword Gladius circa 300 BC Start Price USD 1,999.00 Current Price USD 1,999.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, September 28, 2008 End Time Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Location Kaunas, Kaunas See more about 'Celtic Iberian (Spanish) Sword Gladius circa 300 BC' Description Iron Iberian sword Espasa   Dating to circa 300 BC   Total length 40,5 cm. Blade 30,5 cm, handle 10 cm. Width of blade in the widest part 4 cm.   Not conservated and not restored in ground found condition. Only traces of fixing betvween handle and blade can be seen.   Condition as can be seen on the pictures.   Swords were among the main weapons of Iberians, who manufactured a high-grade iron that is considered steel by many experts. Iberian swords were feared for their power and durability. The falcata was the most common sword, while the espasa was more rare but made a huge impression on the Romans, who adopted it, along with an Iberian dagger that went on to become known as the pugio.   The espasa is without a doubt the greatest of ancient Spanish arms for one simple reason: Rome used it. The espasa was a simple iron short sword, roughly 25 inches long with a double-edged blade. The Romans’ initial encountered it during the First Punic War was both brutal and impressive. Espasas were lethal when the point was used and was just as deadly when swung, taking off arms and heads with ease. The Romans quickly adopted the espasa, which they called the gladius hispaniensis - Spanish sword.The Iberian Peninsula was finally conquered by Roman troops using swords of Iberian origin.   Reference: Michael D Coe. Swords and hilt weapons. 1993, NY. Page 24. Also many references on Internet.   This item is quaranteed to be genuine, ancient and as described.   Place a Bid!