The Segontium Sword / Roman Gladius from Wales

[Jack Loomes]

Editor's Note: If you have measurements for this important sword please email me [e-mail]

This legionary sword was found at the Roman fort of Segontium, Caernarfon, in March 1879. It dates from the first century and consists of a metal blade and walrus ivory hilt. Segontium was a very important military and administrative centre. It can be dated to the year AD 77 and a garrison was maintained there almost throughout the period of Roman rule in Britain. It been proposed that the scabbard was sheet copper alloy not leather, as small remains can be viewed on the blade.

Sources:
www.facebook.com/pages/Caerhun-Roman-Fort/111812882215320?fref=photo
www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/XdbSfJeUStS7xxeserTMpQ