The Roman Gladius - In The Movies
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- čas přidán 25. 10. 2021
- A brief overview of The Gladius as featured in many popular movies and TV shows.
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#rome #sword
Any modern battle with artillery and high powered fire arms must be pretty bloody horrendous. But there’s something disturbingly intimate about cutting, bludgeoning and stabbing weaponry. You can shoot someone from a thousand yards but a sword fight is very personal.
Swords have always been romanticized. Spears and axes were more common, but we've grown accustomed to heroic exciting fencing in movies. The gladius was not heroic: it was a short sneaky sword for stabbing from the concealment of a shield. If you found yourself fencing with one you screwed up. (edit: this is my opinion)
Good "point".
The Roman Republic/Empire is a notable exception though since it was one of the few times in history when a sword was the primary weapon of the infantry (combined with a shield). Also, while I agree that Roman battle tactics were neither flashy nor glamourous, there were many occasions when Roman Legions were badly outnumbered and still emerged victorious. That must have taken courage and skill.
@@matthewzito6130I suspect the reason the Romans chose to use a sword rather than a spear is both because the scutum helps reduce the primary downside of a sword (lack of reach) since a large curved shield provides a lot of protection to get in close range where the sword would have an advantage. The fact that they were armored up in the areas the scutum had less coverage also helped.
And secondly, every Legionnaire carried a pilum, which is about the length of a spear (and sometimes used as one in specific emergency scenarios). Since spears are also much larger and cumbersome than swords (hence why they’re poor self defense weapons, which probably explains why swords get more attention since it’s more commonly seen in every day life, same as handguns today), the Romans probably deemed having the pilum as a ranged weapon alongside a sword to be worth the trade off of not having a spear.
@@gameragodzilla I agree. Also, the Gladius would offer some obvious advantages over a spear in the extremely tight infantry formations favored by the Romans for much of their history. Meanwhile, thrown Pilum could inflict significant damage on opposing armies (killing, wounding, disabling shields, breaking up formations) before the lines actually met, especially against enemies that were less well protected than the Romans themselves.
@@matthewzito6130 Yeah, so the pilum was definitely a great weapon, especially for a professional military like the Romans who could train their troops to throw pila accurately and also maintain proper formation. The encumbrance of a spear is really a big downside that a lot of people who just look at pure "firepower" (for lack of a better word) tend to miss. While the encumbrance is justified for most people, turning the spear into a throwable javelin and pairing it with a sword and shield is a perfectly reasonable tradeoff.
I think one fascinating aspect of the Romans is that the Legions were one of the few fighting forces in history, that actually used a sword as a primary weapon. Virtually every other military formation in recorded history prior to the advent of firearms, used spears as a primary, many carrying swords as sidearms or backup weapons.
One thing to remember is that after the fall of the Western Empire, it was a long time before there were any states in Europe capable of equipping masses of troops with armor and swords. Swords became as much a status symbol as a weapon in a lot of cases.
@@cm275even before the Ravenna found it's rulers to be Ostrogothic, Roman armies at that point even the Palatina used spears as a primary weapon.
The Gladius worked well because of it's efficient usage and the simple fact that armor at that point sucked. It essentially was the best weapon for the Roman legions, and with a near lack of competent heavy cavalry due to technical limitations the sword forged an empire.
When metallurgy improved and situations where cavalry proved useful enough for either harassment or frontal charges, and the simple fact that they are defending an empire not expanding led to the Romans reverting to spear armed infantry after the crisis of the Third century. When your enemy has enough well armored troops and your focus is speed and versatility you start spending more on horses and less on infantry.
Just check the Armies of the Principate to see what happened when Stilicho held the Reins.
Remember this was only true during a certain period of time. Early Rome used a spear as their main weapon and the Late late Empire used spears as well.
MAP - Cost and metallurgy likely played a huge role in the Romans adopting swords. No one had before because swords require smelting iron in large amounts required for an army. The Greeks were using bronze on their spears and leather shields, much easier to make with the technology of the day. Steel goes back to 14th century BCE (the Greek empire 13th-10th BCE), but the Greeks were city states. Imagine every yank state today having its own army instead of a national army, how costly and inefficient that would be, how much duplication of effort.
It also speaks volumes that no major force used them after the Romans, which suggested the Romans weren't just the exception, but possibly made a mistake. (See also: Japan's continued use of battleships in WWII after being rendered obsolete by aircraft carriers, Russia depending on rail and tanks today.)
Love the Monty Python bits... actually loved all the examples. Well done!!!
I basically made this because I wanted to add a few of those Monty Python lines to a video lol.
This is why the Gladius was so effective and great no only for defense but offense as well and it worked well with there huge rounded shields and when the legion was working together as a single body on the battlefield
This video reminded me of my highschool years learning ancient history. Especially the battle of Carrhae, where the Parthians turn roman legionaries into pincushion. My teacher said, something to the effect, that the a good blade like the gladius can't do crap against an enemy that is content to potshot you to annihilation and wouldn't be a gentleman enough for a straight up hand to hand combat.
I love how at 1:52 even tho these guys attacking aren’t actually trying to win they still nonetheless kick ass because nobody can see anything they’re walking towards showing how it’s actually a terrible way to use the formation haha.
Also great job on the Latin names
Thank you kindly!
Haha, when I see those Roman soldiers I immediately think of the Asterix comic books. Nice video.
Still laughing, 2 of my all time favorites… History of the World and Life of Brian. Well played good sir!
Wait til Bigus Dickus hears about this!
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq Conjugate the verb…
While it's true that trained gladiators would rarely fight with just a gladius, it was fairly common for untrained convicts to be sentenced to be executed by gladiators in the arena. In these instances, the convict might be given just a sword with no shield or armor. This was done so that the convict would at least theoretically have a fighting chance, although the odds were obviously against them. Also, it was a quicker and more dignified death (from the Roman point of view) than some other Roman execution methods.
Thanks for adding this!
Protect ya neck!
There was a German TV series about Arminius - I don't think I saw any clips from that here but it's well worth a watch.
Oh! I actually never heard of it. So I will look it up! Thank you 🙏
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq barbaren, its on netflix
@@matawie Excellent series! A bit over romanticized view of the barbarians but the fact that the Romans spoke ancient Latin was AWESOME!
Gladiator armour and weapons were designed to make the fights equal, which would make them longer and more bloody. The gladiators with heavy armour and weapons wore helmets with EXTREMELY limited vision, while those with the ineffective trident and net were extremely mobile and had range.
I recently watched the series, Shaka Zulu. If the show is to be believed Shaka basically reinvented the Roman gladius as a short spear with a broad steel point early in the 19th century. It made the best use of expensive steel. He also used close formations and shields as the Romans had done.
Spanish Latin blade .Many times over the blades of my ancestors .
I still say it can be brought back to the battlefield .
Biggus Dickus. Monty Python. Legendary. 🤣
Hi Johnny, I think you made nearly all points, but I think there are a few more.
The time in which the Gladius was used while most tribes relying on looted weapons and equipment there is a big market for second hand swords.
The Gladius is well suited to be drawn in close formation after the Pila are spent, so it is the sidearm until you get into close combat.
Many gladiators and many barbarians where at some point auxiliars or they where trained by former legionaries and they have used the Gladius.
With the downfall of the Roman empire, the capacity of producing such vast quantities of weapon and armour was gone for a long time which meant that the roman stuff was much longer common.
Thanks for your work and I am looking forward to see some more videos from you.
Thanks for adding this! This video was a bit out of my element so I appreciate it 🙏
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq no worries, you are doing an amazing job, very enjoyable stuff all over the place. Just carry on, maybe some day I will also have such a big audience as you have it right now.
@@tabletopgeneralsde310 I think you will. You have some quality work on your channel!
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq now I turn red, very kind.
I haven’t seen all of these. Good job John!
I hope you will do the Japanese Katana next or European Rapier.
8:01 me and the boys in the cohort after surviving an ambush by barbarians
🕺⚔🕺
Rome was a great series!
Correct me if I am mistaken, but didn't The Original Star Trek, have the Gladius in the series?
Still a great display of these ancient, yet classic arms.
Take care, and all the best.
Another nice video, great channel Johnny. Greetings from Hispania!!!
Thank you kindly 🙏
I always liked the "Joey, do you like movies about Gladiators" line.
Keep making such quality videos Jhonny.
Thank you kindly 🙏
Here's some more popular movies that were overlooked.
AUGUSTUS.
BEN-HUR.
BOUDICA.
CAESAR.
CALIGULA.
CENTURION.
DEMETRIUS AND THE GLADIATOR.
DRUIDS.
THE EAGLE.
KING ARTHUR.
THE LAST LEGION.
MASADA.
RISEN.
STAR TREK BREAD AND CIRCUSES.
TITUS.
Great video as ever!. Might I recommend doin a video on the iconic kukri next.
That would make for a good video!
Ahhh Dragon Balde. A true story of the time a Roman Legion faced off against the border guards of the Han!!
This channel is awesome. I can see it blowing up. Keep it up my friend 👍
Thanks so much!
Nice about HBO movie logic.
1:16 well I think something to remember is while a gladius is a short sword with a 20 or so inch blade, at the time it was used I would say it was more or less the norm. I mean sure there were longer swords with say 30 inch blades or so were around but they probably weren’t the norm like they would be by 1000 AD
Crossbow/Longbow next?
Might do! These more historic weapons are a touch out of my element but certainly fun!
We've become so accustomed watching Roman soldiers having British accents. It would be more historical with maybe a Latin type accent because the Romans spoke Latin but it would probably come off as strange. So we're stuck with Roman Soldiers with British accents. I suppose it seems they are the most civilized of the peoples at the time of their Empire so this works best for our viewing.
Because the British
is the most fan of Rome.
They even have the community
to relive the Rome culture...
especially in cuisine and wines.
The original Latin language
had already become religious use.
The Rome Legion
is acutally use their offensive turns
every 6 minutes for advancing.
The Gladius itself is specially designed
for such the tactics.
They also be trained into the muscle memeory
as reflex action occuring in the field.
Nations surrounding Rome
could hardly stand this protracted combat cabability
and unbelievable morale of not admitting defeat.
You showed the Ryse game, but I don’t see any mention of the Centurion character from “For Honor”.
Great job Johnny!! Your knowledge is impeccable. Now I have to run the the basement and check out my gladii, pugio, pilum and scutum!
Haha do you really have such weapons? I'd like to get my hands on a Gladius for my wall.
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq Yes, I have 2. One is a Pompei and the other is a Mainz. Kult of Athena is a good source. I built my own scutum from internet instructions. Soaked plywood in the bathtub for 3 weeks and then tied it around a floor joist in my basement. Turned out not bad. I collect edged weapons and things that go bang. Hey, I'm retired!
and I collect movies and hand painted soldiers too!
@@mugsnvicki Well I'm happy to have you and your experience frequenting the channel. Make sure you always add your knowledge and or correct anything in future videos. :)
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq I certainly am in awe with your presentations and can only offer my meagre comments. "I am not worthy".
I wish someone would make a band of brother/generation kill style super realistic mini series about the first weeks of the invasion of Britain.
Spartacus good series, it has all you need
Loved that series!
Back in 2016 at the Montreal ComicCon I did VIP escort for the actors who played Spartacus (the 2nd one) and Crixus. Super nice, down to earth guys.
When I introduced myself to them, instead of saying the usual, "Hi, I'm Mike and I'll be escorting you." I told them "Hi, I'm Mike and you'll be saving my @ss if anything happens." Everyone had a good laugh. 😂
Where's the last bit from (the dancing Romans)? Nice video
History of the world, by Mel Brooks, fu*king funny classic,
4:11 holy crap, Jack Bauer and Jon Snow in Roman times?! How have I not seen this?!
I know right! Worth a watch but he makes a way better Northerner than Roman.
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq what movie or tv series is it?
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq and, as always, terrific video, buddy
@@jamesturner9651 Thanks brother. The movie is "Pompeii" It's worth watching just don't expect anything halfway close to Gladiator.
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq I went all out and got HBO and Paramount/Showtime on top of all the others so I'm going to be catching up on as many of these movies as I can
Fantastic, funny and historically correct... Nioce!!!😂
The one sword turn Rome into an Empire.
Great video
When in doubt... Upload!
Exactly
Gladius
The Sword that conquer the world
-Metatron
Nice edits
M2 Carbine?!?
On the list my friend.
1:04 jon snow.
Thank you for not using any clips from "King Arthur."
the problem with these films, is that they never have the romans throw their spears, its so fucking weird.
*Has shield. Spins anyway*
the gladius was in no way the best weapon, but it favor the roman way of fighting, but still it hadt alot of problems from bad steel to being to short for cavalry that also why the elite of roman infantry primarily used spears and first used the gladius when the fight got up personal, the roman impere tryed to improve in the later years, the legacy held on til the very end, and what the romans was best know for in war, was the ability to adapt and change strategy on the spot, and again i have to correct, the legionaery would not fight with a gladius alone, but many gladiators did, as it was seen as especialy brave, and some adapted the two sword stille to make it even more interresting for the crowd, and it was not uncommen for the roman army to use gladiators as shock troops on the battle field
It hurts me to see soooo much bad to very bad made Roman helmets... Hollywood has such a non-historic taste in armour...
This is new
Good bye head!
Hello balls!
😂
Hola?
noooooooo plis in the next videocan you make all pak 40 in moves plis
It's still on my list. Might be a few weeks but it's on the list.
@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq OK :(
13!
Riot shelld
SWORDS...heck yeah...
Anyone can squeeze a trigger...
But Master a sword??😎😤😁🙈🙊🙉
not first
Rip
@@thekhoifish0146 bruh i was doing my homework and saw the notification send 45 seconds ago and I know.. I fucked up
@@willbill6663 f