So, a gladius used without a shield is, in fact, a sadius.
@AlEx-uj8rj4 жыл бұрын
You little shi-
@surgeonsergio68394 жыл бұрын
😢
@CultofGrace4 жыл бұрын
I see what ya did there 😅😅😅
@mr.e.t.27014 жыл бұрын
Scrotimus Rex
@theviking60524 жыл бұрын
Stephen Marshall unless you’re opponent only has a sword as well without a shield
@franciscodanconia35515 жыл бұрын
Q: Is the gladius a great sword? A: No, it's a gladius. Greatswords are greatswords.
@MrAranton5 жыл бұрын
The gladius IS a greatsword - if you're a five year old boy or slightly below avarage height for an adult Italian.
@TucoBenedicto5 жыл бұрын
@@MrAranton I wasn't aware we Italians had the reputation of being a bunch of midgets. Then again, Romans were supposedly far shorter than modern Italian on average.
@nicedreams71925 жыл бұрын
@@TucoBenedicto Most people are shorter than their modern counterpart. People have simply gotten taller over time on average.
@TheodoreManthovani5 жыл бұрын
Gladius is a great sword, not a greatsword. xD
@vspirit235 жыл бұрын
Bethesda has joined the chat
@commode7x4 жыл бұрын
"Shank, shank, shank" That is truly the sound of chivalry
@virgosintellect4 жыл бұрын
OG cleavage
@tibfulv4 жыл бұрын
cibalrius, smibalrius.
@JRudd4 жыл бұрын
I chuckled a little while he said that
@fauxmarmorer95443 жыл бұрын
Don't you mean shiv-alry
@eduardgherasim28963 жыл бұрын
super close, face to face formation fighting, pushing your enemy while you get pushed from behind by your allies. Must feel like rush hour trains in Tokyo. Stabbing makes more sense since swinging the sword in a tight formation is hard and dangerous for your team, and also easier to parry by enemies. A stab coming from behind a shield is hard to predict and block.
@PingHansen5 жыл бұрын
Context: the gladius is a design optimized for fighting in a shield wall formation. The gladius is short because it was meant to be drawn behind the shield, from a sheath carried on the right side, without wounding your neighbor in the formation - and it was carried on the right for that same reason. Being short, it was also way easier to control from behind the shield. Outside the formation, Not optimal, but doable, as the opponent would need to work around the shield. Without a shield. Better than nothing, but you would most likely be better off wielding something with a longer reach.
@nicoletingey33254 жыл бұрын
Well no not really yes ou are right it was developed for the triplex acises formations and given to the veterans and not the histari or vistari it wasn't until he Marian reforms all legionaries were all given the Gladius yes you paid for your weaponry however it was based on the class system of both the roman military and society it was up to the comander or legatus to provide the arms as crassus and marius were noted on record stating if all Romans had the same privilege the army would be unstoppable if that makes any sense to you
@matteobertotti4 жыл бұрын
@@nicoletingey3325 But the army was basically unstoppable anyway.
@notsoprogaming97894 жыл бұрын
@Richard Davis ?
@aotoda4863 жыл бұрын
But then why did the gladius/short sword-shield combo fall out of use?
@PingHansen3 жыл бұрын
@@aotoda486 Battlefield tactics changed to the point where something with a longer reach made more sense
@DeHeld85 жыл бұрын
It's not about the length, it's about what you do with it. And always wear protection!
@kenanacampora5 жыл бұрын
Funny, Ive never had to say that. 😬👏
@DeHeld85 жыл бұрын
@@kenanacampora sorry, did I steal your joke? :o
@jamesdelatorre64245 жыл бұрын
No crossing swords!
@DeHeld85 жыл бұрын
@@jamesdelatorre6424 Hey, there is nothing wrong with a little sword-on-sword action!
@chaseviking50965 жыл бұрын
@elijah mikle the sword was for direct close courters combat where spears would not work. The Romans mainly used spears until the enemy got too close then they switched to their sword. Other empires did the same thing.
@BlondeBeard185 жыл бұрын
Prediction: It’s good in its proper context with a scutum, and ideally in formation
@moonasha5 жыл бұрын
also, prediction: good against unskilled fighters and untrained armies
@yomauser5 жыл бұрын
@@moonasha Unskilled and untrained like the Carthaginian army, Macedonian phalanx, Spartan soldiers or the Gauls warriors...?
@Omnihil7775 жыл бұрын
There is sputum on my scutum
@EldarKinSlayer5 жыл бұрын
Roman soldiers weren't one on one fighters. Even when outnumbered, they were heavy infantry, shoulder to shoulder, heavily armored, large interlocking shields they hacked at exposed limbs and stabbed to the body, AFTER depriving their foes (generally speaking) of their shields by sticking spears in them that bent and tangled their feet. It was an equipment and training system exquisitely designed for Roman discipline and mobility.
@hrotha5 жыл бұрын
@@EldarKinSlayer At the end of the day, they won because of their superior logistics, which in turn allowed them to capitalize fully on their superior manpower. Plenty of people managed to defeat the Romans on the field, but the Romans would just keep sending more armies until their enemies gave up*. *were dead/sold into slavery
@OdiousCoprophagus4 жыл бұрын
I also have a hole in my wall from swinging around a Dane axe in my living room
@oltyret4 жыл бұрын
You're right. The Gladius was part of a package and should be viewed as a component of the Roman battle kit. The Romans entered a world of phalanxes with their legions. They needed to get past the forest of spears and close in. They didn't want to play the phalanx game with a phalanx of their own. They wanted an anti-phalanx. Before the initial contact, a volley of javelins could have created the set up by thinning the forest of spears. They needed a large curved shield to deflect the spear heads along with the hefty hacking power of the gladius to knock the next spear head away as they worked their way in. An open faced helmet gave them the visibility to see where the spearheads were and counter them. Heavy armor helped them survive their mistakes. Once they got in, the tapering point of the gladius could have been used to punch through eye holes and other gaps in the armor. An exposed spear arm could have been hacked or slashed. The shield could have been used for body slamming to create killing stroke opportunities for the legionnaire or the one behind him. Once within the phalanx, Roman legionnaires with their gladii could spread like cancer cells.
@oltyret4 жыл бұрын
@Legio XXI Rapax Nice description of gladius and scutum tactics but you don't explain why a checkerboard formation counters a solid phalanx. You just say it does. I guess we are supposed to assume that the portion of the phalanx line that does not come into contact with a maniple will continue forward into the gap - like idiots! Macedonians, at least, were way more disciplined than this and it isn't that hard to keep the shields lined up and push the forward maniples back. The purpose of the checkerboard formation was to provide maximum tactical and maneuver flexibility on hilly terrain. I doubt very much that they would normally confront a phalanx with the checkerboard. They would seek to break up the phalanx with a javelin volley, try to work their way to the flanks, or try to work their way past the spears as I described. It wasn't easy.
@thegangvault25 жыл бұрын
Some Roman general I forget the name of: "If you find your sword is too short, take a step forward."
@CptFugu5 жыл бұрын
Lol. Sounds a lot like my first Platoon Leader. Different eras, same attitude.
@maximthemagnificent5 жыл бұрын
I presume his name was "Biggus Swordis".
@razvanconstantin7405 жыл бұрын
@@maximthemagnificent Largus Gladius more likely
@LLACEM5 жыл бұрын
That would have been Russel Crowe darling.
@junichiroyamashita5 жыл бұрын
It was a spartan retort,because their xhipos were shorter than those of other poleis.
@PomaiKajiyama5 жыл бұрын
Yes do a video about what is the best Sword/Shield set.
@gregbilotta24725 жыл бұрын
I would like to see this as well, especially with curved v. straighter swords
@MrPants-zu6dm5 жыл бұрын
Please do that video Matt.
@NikozBG5 жыл бұрын
Yes please. This would be quite an interesting topic.
@nico408205 жыл бұрын
That would be interesting
@Alakazzam095 жыл бұрын
Dew it!
@scottharris52644 жыл бұрын
It was also excellent in tight quarters, which is the style of combat the Roman's preferred.
@fatalexception12695 жыл бұрын
The Gladius would have been useful within indoor settings: given that the Romans were all about conquest there would have been a lot of house-to-house clearing, so the sword would have been useful for that.
@osborne9255 Жыл бұрын
Paired mine with a 12" steel fist gripped buckler for a fast, flowing whirlwind of steel. It would be really effective indoors. Good point.
@erikjarandson54585 жыл бұрын
Which weapon is best in a one on one sword fight? This has been thoroughly settled and convincingly demonstrated by Indiana Jones. A revolver, hands down.
@mallardtheduck4065 жыл бұрын
Only during a bout with dysentery!!! 😁
@dernwine5 жыл бұрын
Depends how far away the man with a knife is from the man with a revolver.
@davidtuttle75565 жыл бұрын
@@dernwine if the revolver in question is a Colt Double action .45 or a Borchardt, the man with the knive is going down hard at any distance.
@dernwine5 жыл бұрын
@@davidtuttle7556 Not exactly what I was on about. If someone has a knife and is close enough to grabble a man with a revolver the man with the knife often has the advantage. Nothing to do with caliber.
@nirfz5 жыл бұрын
@@davidtuttle7556 not any distance, if "close enough" the guy with the gun will go down too. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mdGqaqieqd7MpIk.html
@SuperAerie5 жыл бұрын
No, the organisational skills of the romans gave them an empire. Not the sword. But I like the sword :)
@dandannoodles70705 жыл бұрын
Not really organizational skills, just a different view of citizenship than the rest of the ancient world; to the Romans, it was something they extended to Italian peoples to bring them into the fold, while the Greeks saw citizenship as something to exclude as many people as possible from, so individual citizens would have the proportionally strongest voice in politics.
@EloNaj5 жыл бұрын
@@dandannoodles7070 Well that developed with the latin war but before that they excluded everything that was not citizen of the city of rome that was until the late republic.
@dandannoodles70705 жыл бұрын
@@EloNaj Not really. From the very beginning of the city, there were what were called Latin rights extended to neighboring communities. Someone could become a citizen of Rome by moving into the city's territory; to inherit citizenship, only your father needed to be a citizen (in Greece, it was often both parents); citizens of different cities could make binding contracts enforceable by the city in whose territory it was made. The famous aristocratic clan of the Claudii originated with a Sabine chief who relocated into Roman territory, for instance.
@Mrdest2115 жыл бұрын
They had beaten the Italians in wars before making them citizens. Extending citizenship doesn't conquer people, it helps win the war that comes after.
@dandannoodles70705 жыл бұрын
@@Mrdest211 No, lots of Italian cities came over to Rome willingly, and in any case, 'helping win the war that comes after' is literally synonymous with conquering people.
@cerberaodollam3 жыл бұрын
"the sword that conquered an empire" has the exact same vibe as "two world wars" coming from 1911 fanboys
@cattledog9013 жыл бұрын
B-b-but my fohty five is for REAL men hurr durr
@realtalk4real2433 жыл бұрын
Both great weapons
@GallopingWalrus3 жыл бұрын
John Moses Browning created possibly the best handgun of all time. When he made the Browning Hi Power. Also the 1911 exists.
@warshipsatin87643 жыл бұрын
pistols werent really used in combat though, whereas the gladius definitely was. not saying its the best tho
@BingusTheWockis3 жыл бұрын
I mean, the 1911 is a great pistol, except for it's use of .45 cal ammunition (overpowered, low capacity). Other than that, it's reliable, easy to maintain, and easily pointable. To me, it seems that it easily fit it's role as a military sidearm of the time (especially because most common automatic pistols of the time had a magazine capacity not exceeding 10 rounds). Though I wouldn't carry it nowadays, I think I'd rather carry something like a .40 SW Sig Sauer.
@gregwarner37533 жыл бұрын
This sword was part of a weapon set consisting of sword, shied, armor and group training. By itself it was a big knife.
@Saber23 Жыл бұрын
Yeah no shit
@sepg5084 Жыл бұрын
Any sword is just a long knife
@imhigh00135 жыл бұрын
Shields and tight spaces change the dynamics of blade length being more usable.
@someguy31865 жыл бұрын
Tight spaces definitely have an impact on how deeply you can thrust your sword
@nonna_sof58895 жыл бұрын
@@TeroHal It was also worn on the right by the common soldiers so they didn't have to break the shield wall to draw, which limits the length.
@InSanic135 жыл бұрын
A "best sword with a shield video" would definitely be neat.
@ElDrHouse20105 жыл бұрын
short spear by itself beats all swords. short spear with shield does even better. just take a guess... its the rapier (again) duh
@gitman34865 жыл бұрын
Arming sword surely
@johannesdolch5 жыл бұрын
Good Job stretching a 30 second answer out to 15 minutes :)
@WinsomeJohnny5 жыл бұрын
Jeezus!!..I know right!!...lmao
@SteveTheFazeman5 жыл бұрын
Talk about beating around the bush, this video was brutal.
@WinsomeJohnny5 жыл бұрын
@@SteveTheFazeman lmao!...Thank you!!
@frankovera75535 жыл бұрын
Where did he tell the answer?
@yanborges82925 жыл бұрын
@@frankovera7553 It begins at 11:44
@ThatWorks4 жыл бұрын
I would love to add a few things to this info in regards of metallurgy if you ever want to
@Seth98094 жыл бұрын
Like?
@CrazeeFy3 жыл бұрын
@@Seth9809 lol exactly
@harjutapa5 жыл бұрын
Every military person I know can tell you: it's not about the individual weapon so much (though it matters a bit), it's the whole package: logistics, support, discipline, strategy, tactics, and weapons/equipment. Roughly in that order.
@-----REDACTED-----5 жыл бұрын
The sinews of war are endless money. - Marcus Tullius Cicero
@chaseviking50965 жыл бұрын
Don't forget that you do far better with the weapon you are trained with and the Romans were trained with that sword.
@johngant35535 жыл бұрын
Sounds like .....
@johnbr595 жыл бұрын
"The more length you've got, the better it is" - Matt Easton, July 2019
@philipzahn4915 жыл бұрын
It had to be made. :P
@NocKme5 жыл бұрын
And I thought girth was more important, but I guess he is taking about thrusting action.
@Weingeist19875 жыл бұрын
@@philipzahn491 Its sort of a tradition now.
@KlausBeckEwerhardy5 жыл бұрын
I actually think this sentence has been the whole point of this video ;)
@Hiltibold5 жыл бұрын
Please, grow up.
@krozilsteele72945 жыл бұрын
"Armor drastically changes the context" Lawbringer: YAY! UBI: nope
@ppellacani5 жыл бұрын
Obviously is not a great sword. It is a short sword, just 1d6+STR of damage
@alalalala575 жыл бұрын
hahahaha nice.
@jerrydean20655 жыл бұрын
Lol...funny !....dont forget the enchantment and or a soul stone !....
@mikekennedy58795 жыл бұрын
D6+DEX. It's a finesse weapon.
@raymondking2145 жыл бұрын
Gaming geek alert!!!!!LOL!
@benjaminlabarge48995 жыл бұрын
@@mikekennedy5879 finesse means you can use either str or dex, so generally it's better
@justrobin81555 жыл бұрын
I'd love to hear your take on the sword/shield combo! It might be particularly interesting if you pick an ideal shield for each sword rather than always using the same.
@babakbabak5329 Жыл бұрын
Gladius was great for the Roman style of warfare. For some other style it may not be the best. For example, a baseball helmet is good when you are playing baseball, but it is not good for playing football. By the way that is a magnificent sword you are holding.
@jsphfalcon3 жыл бұрын
The Roman method of war was a whole system. Sword, shield, skirmishes, and formations
@moralkamikaze11125 жыл бұрын
Did anyone else try to wipe the mark on Matts wall off of your screen?
@Odin0295 жыл бұрын
The only way my screen would have gotten that dirty is if a fly had committed suicide
@willinnewhaven32855 жыл бұрын
I thought about it.
@drakus40k5 жыл бұрын
Yes. Twice before I realized it wasn't on my screen...
@Ka0s5 жыл бұрын
Yes. 😐
@robgoodsight62165 жыл бұрын
yes
@ColHoganGer905 жыл бұрын
Besides armour and shields, fighting in tight formations does also change the preferability of a longer sword versus a shorter one.
@darkalystar5 жыл бұрын
A fair amount of formation fighting was with the longest weapons of all.
@FinalManaTrigger5 жыл бұрын
@@darkalystar Yep, the spear.
@matthewcooper42485 жыл бұрын
I was surprised he didn't mention that. Now while many formations did use the spear, the design of the scutum along with the armor basically meant the spears were useless. That's why the Greeks lost eventually. The Romans were able to press the attack, and when it was too close for spears the Greeks' swords were too short to do anything since the Gladius was longer.
@dandannoodles70705 жыл бұрын
Roman formations were very open, often with six feet per man, specifically so that the swords could be used more easily.
@Riceball015 жыл бұрын
@@matthewcooper4248 The Greeks eventually lost not because of their use spears, but because they preferred the phalanx which was a fairly rigid formation. The Romans, on the other, tended to be much more flexible in their formations and didn't need to fight on flat, open ground like you would (ideally) with a phalanx.
@SkidinDingo5 жыл бұрын
The roman gladius is great at something: fast production. Once the blade is done you just have to affix a wooden handle and presumably a few pieces of cast bronze. If you have to crank out 100 swords for a battalion, a wooden handle with cast bronze gaurd on a simple blade shape is a really good option.
@jjw51652 жыл бұрын
Never underestimate the effects of finances on a army of thousands.
@SkidinDingo2 жыл бұрын
@@jjw5165 for sure, even today. i'd be willing to make a comparison to the popularity of the gladius to the popularity of ak pattern rifles. they're reliable, relatively cheap to produce, and effective on the battlefield
@gbrinfo3 жыл бұрын
Hi from France, I often watch your videos, especially about short swords . I am not in historical point of view but in modern point of view and defense while facing aggressors with knives indoor and the gladius is then more interesting . I bought the Honshu Gladiator Sword D2 option and it's very effective inside in the context of defense . I don't imagine aggressors with rapiers or something else but more with knives, clubs and machetes . Then the gladius is long enough but not too much, fast and easy to use for cutting .
@jeffengel2607 Жыл бұрын
Would not be surprised if the gladius got used AS a machete when a legionnaire had to move through some brush - it's on hand, it's got the edge, the trooper isn't likely carrying something in addition that's any more appropriate. He may be wishing someone else had cut this stuff down ahead of him with something even more apt for it, but eh, the soldier ends up being the man for "go do that random simple necessary thing" all the time.
@WalkaCrookedLine5 жыл бұрын
One issue is drawing the sword. The longer a sword is, the more difficult it is to draw one handed. Roman tactics usually involved entering combat with the sword sheathed, javelins at the ready. First you threw your javelins, then you drew your sword. With one hand occupied holding up the heavy scutum, there was no free hand to steady the scabbard for the draw, and you only had a few seconds to get the sword out. I suspect another issue is cost. Longer swords would take a bit longer to make and might require better steel. When you'r equipping thousands of soldiers, keeping costs down helps. This also speaks to the simple handguards.
@yungsouichi23175 жыл бұрын
What about the spatha tho?
@luisromanlegionaire5 жыл бұрын
@@yungsouichi2317 I think he made his point, not every legionaire had a spatha they mostly had the gladius.
@kyomademon4535 жыл бұрын
@@yungsouichi2317 the spatha was used when rome was decadent, by that time the superb disciplined armies of rome were no longer a thing
@dernwine5 жыл бұрын
@@luisromanlegionaire Later on most Romans legionaries carried a Spatha and Romes economy was weaker, so I doubt this is actually the case. Remember also that Rome didn't pay to equip legionaries the way a modern military does. A Roman Soldier was paid his wage, and he was expected to buy his own armour and weapons from that wage. Go on a spending spree and get the latest and bestest gear, or save it and put it aside for that retirement fund in 25 years? Difficult decision.
@yungsouichi23175 жыл бұрын
@@kyomademon453 nonsense, the legions were still a force to be reckoned with, even during the time of Aurelian, Diocletian and Constantine.
@komitadjie5 жыл бұрын
A weapon to carry with all your well-disciplined buddies, walk slowly forward together behind your locked large shields, and get the point across.
@craftpaint16445 жыл бұрын
Get your point across, he he
@komitadjie5 жыл бұрын
@@craftpaint1644 I'm glad someone got a chuckle out of that!
@adfmaxtango5 жыл бұрын
una bola de boliche les arrancaria las piernas y adios testudo
@matthewadams68005 жыл бұрын
You really pushed that point haha.
@nikolaidante35715 жыл бұрын
Make sure it doesn't go over their jead
@gerrypowell27484 жыл бұрын
I would prefer to have a short barrel weapon in close combat,therefore making the Gladius perfect for the way the Roman fought✌️
@velazquezarmouries4 жыл бұрын
ballistic shield and pistol meet the roman
@BrunoSkiba5 ай бұрын
Unless you need to be quiet… the sword might be more advantageous.
@Saanichian4 жыл бұрын
What I’ve learned about swords is that it’s best to avoid getting in fights with them.
@LovingTinha4 жыл бұрын
smartest comment award goes to you my dear sir/madame
@RaymondKarlVeasey755 жыл бұрын
I Absolutely Love The Basic Beauty Of The Roman Gladius.
@pieromontemaggioreschreibe26155 жыл бұрын
Raymond Karl Veasey basic and extremely effective.
@secutorprimus5 жыл бұрын
I find it somewhat... inelegant in design. Effective, but rather brutish and ugly.
@gatocles994 жыл бұрын
@@secutorprimus Its elegance of design lies in its brutish effectiveness. War ain't pretty.
@secutorprimus4 жыл бұрын
@@gatocles99 Yea, but there are prettier swords out there. Even simply designed ones, like messers, I find more aesthetically pleasing. The gladius just... doesn't look good to me.
@gatocles994 жыл бұрын
@@secutorprimus Yes, I agree, the gladius is ugly in comparison to many swords. Especially swords owned by wealthy noblemen. But name one thing in our modern militaries that looks good... aside from dress uniforms and dress words... it is all ugly, but very functional... the Romans were mass producing ugly weapons and armor for even uglier business... Pretty, does not mean useful.
@SithLord20665 жыл бұрын
That is correct, the gladius was part of a weapon *system* and not designed to be used by itself. The system consists of the gladius, scutum shield, lorica armor, and two Pila javelins (one light and one heavy).
@richarddaugherty85835 жыл бұрын
Absolutely correct, and to amplify, the pilum had a soft iron shaft on purpose. It was thrust and if blocked by the opponents shield, the barbed point lodged there and rendered that shield useless because of the weight. Also scutums were designed so that they could interlock. There was also a buddy system. You watched your buddy's weak side knowing the guy on your weak side was watching yours. The Romans didn't conquer the world by accident!
@johngant35535 жыл бұрын
The first AR-15 it also was used off the battlefield . In smaller spaces in a room this weapon was the because it was lighter....
@michaelgray49645 жыл бұрын
All of that, plus the identically armed soldiers in the line, all of whom have been trained to fight with in formation with those weapons and appropriate tactics. If it didn't work, Rome would never have held the territory that it did.
@kronckew5 жыл бұрын
@@johngant3553 The AR-15 is only used OFF the battlefield as it is a semi-automatic civilian version of the M-16, the AR does NOT stand for Assault Rifle a common and deliberate 'mistake' by the anti-gun crowd. It stands for ARmalite, Or Armalite rifle, the manufacturer of the rifle that became the M-16. Even the cartridge it uses, the .223, is different than the military 5.56mm NATO round.
@giefg5515 жыл бұрын
@@kronckew all that have nothing to do with swords. Except if you put a bayonet in front of it!!! Get a bayonet knife instead and talk about it!!
@kev_sen3 жыл бұрын
In a tight formation you can get alot of leverage with a gladius just by rotating your hips like a boxer without needing much room for a powerful thrust, the scutum would also conceal the blade making it very hard to react in time, a very simple but effective 1-2 combo for a formation to fight in sync.
@danmaltby32714 жыл бұрын
Yup Gladius was a part of a weapons system and it’s hard to look at it alone. The short sword was used by the Romans who came at you in formation with interlocked shields, like a wall coming at you, and they could take the Gladius and thrust under the shield and disembowel the enemy.
@Intranetusa4 жыл бұрын
"Interlocked shields" might have been a too dense of a formation for the Romans to effectively fight in combat. The Romans were supposed to have adopted a looser formation compared to the Greek hoplites, and Plutarch said that at the Battle of Carrhae, the Romans who interlocked their shields in close formations such as testudo were attacked in melee by the Parthians because they were packed too tightly to use their weapons effectively.
@datuputi7772 жыл бұрын
@@Intranetusa Indeed but pilums broke enemy density/formation so it didn't matter if they're a bit loose in formation they probably loved opponents who fought in slow tight shield walls they get to shoot them with pilum to death. Technically the reason also why medieval warfare isn't big about pike formations because it sucked against missile fire but any other thing sucked against cavalry charge its why medieval armies are heavily archer based because they compliment heavy cavalry which in late Roman era was already a phenomenon. Pikes only made a return because of muskets requiring protection on open field but muskets really changed everything because it didn't require amazing fitness allowing Technically more ranged units to be fielded and as a bonus it's amazing in sieges both for attacking and defending.
@Intranetusa2 жыл бұрын
@@datuputi777 The interesting thing about European Rennisance era pike and shot warfare of pikes and muskets is that it resembled earlier ancient to medieval East Asian/Chinese warfare where the role of the musket taken by the role of crossbows used in mass. Crossbowmen, archers, pikemen, halberdiers, and swordsmen were commonly used in mixed unit, combined arms formations and were supplemented by cavalry on the wings.
@QualityPen Жыл бұрын
Romans didn’t interlock their shields. They fought with about a meter between each man. The scutum isn’t even wide enough to interlock with if you try. The only way it interlocks is top to bottom such as for the anti-cavalry formation or testudo, but these are special purpose formations and not normal maneuver/fighting formation. An example of a shield that did interlock was the aspis, which was a huge round shield and mounted such that the left edge stuck out past the wearer’s left side by 1-2 feet. The scutum in contrast was designed to hug the body of the wearer, not to extend past him to cover the body of the next man.
@QualityPen Жыл бұрын
@@datuputi777 With the exception of the English and horse archer cultures, Medieval armies were not archer based. Nor were archer based armies particularly effective. The English had a couple of highly publicized victories against the French, but at the end of the day they lost the Hundred Years’ War. If anything, Medieval armies were spearman based. When plate armor gained prominence, they became polearm based.
@Dadecorban5 жыл бұрын
Also a Roman infantry formation should be considered "close quarters".
@mattlentzner71415 жыл бұрын
Certainly in their tactics as they are shock troops and not meant to fight in a static line. They were also better armored than most of their adversaries. The closer you are, the more of an advantage that becomes.
@Dadecorban5 жыл бұрын
@@mattlentzner7141 Please explain your point about a static line as the Romans often fought armies that did not maintain cohesive formations and thus by comparison the Roman lines could be considered static. (your point about them being better armored was made throughout the video?)
@mattlentzner71415 жыл бұрын
@@Dadecorban Who specifically are you thinking of that didn't fight in cohesive formations? When I say, "static" I mean the Germanic style of fighting from a shield wall which is immobile. A phalanx isn't strictly immobile but moves very slowly. Romans were IMO much more dynamic.
@davidcarson78555 жыл бұрын
@@mattlentzner7141 don't forget that the Germans and Norse were known for their throwing axes which tend to bounce unpredictably
@jeffreyroot73465 жыл бұрын
@@davidcarson7855 Not as effective as one might think. A psychological factor not decisive by itself.
@48mastadon5 жыл бұрын
I'm still waiting for the promised video of the French 1822 vs U.S.1840, 1860. Maybe I missed that one, but I don't think so.
@tristanoliver95774 жыл бұрын
Imagine clicking on a 15 minute video then complaining about it being 15 minutes long. Respect the context my dudes.
@markclaire24644 жыл бұрын
I've no idea why KZfaq has randomly recommended this video to me but I found it very interesting all the same. Liked and subbed. 👍
@Jacob-W-55705 жыл бұрын
0:40 "On my channel I'm well known for" Matt my mind screamed: CONTEXT! but you didn't say that, I'm sligtly dissapointed.
@germanvisitor25 жыл бұрын
Also for wanting to use his butt agressively.
@davidjoynson17745 жыл бұрын
Surely the point of the Gladius was one of formation and discipline. If you have comrades on either hand, you cannot swing some great big beast of a sword, you need something compact and manageable in an enclosed environment.
@kyle8575 жыл бұрын
Exactly.
@audigex4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, the Gladius was a sword for close quarters formation combat... it’s a sword for the shield wall, not a loose skirmish the open field. It’s the same reason that the Norse and Anglo Saxons generally carried (if they could afford to), a long sword and a short sword (Seax) - because they regularly fought in both environments
@byutube43603 жыл бұрын
Kinda like saying because the United States “won” world war 2 with the M1 Garand, so an 8 shot semi auto Garand must be the best rifle to this day.
@EroticOnion233 жыл бұрын
It WAS the best rifle at its time, all other armies basically exclusively used bolt action...This is not comparable since the gladius was not even the best sword at its time, only with proper shield and formations.
@byutube43603 жыл бұрын
@@EroticOnion23 this is true, maybe a better comparison is the 1911 pistol
@stephenstiles24 жыл бұрын
Another point : Romans often carried a Pilum, then drew their swords. Marching with a longer sword even in scabbard would be cumbersome as well as slower to draw in armor..
@LovingTinha4 жыл бұрын
drawing their swords was never a problem, they had their swords in hand long before they engaged in combat. Unless you snuck up and attacked a soldier, then him drawing his weapon would be a factor.
@rasmusn.e.m10645 жыл бұрын
Do the video Matt! Also, wouldn't a gladius be mildly useful in a similar context to Filipino weapons? If true, it's just to point out that some weapons can work outside of their intended context.
@pentultimatearsehole91905 жыл бұрын
As a practitioner of Kali and escrima, I will tell you absolutely that the gladius crosses over well!
@holyknightthatpwns5 жыл бұрын
I like the idea of a video that "quickly" goes through and talks about various contexts and which swords are better or worse in those contexts - more than just armor, you could also talk about formation fighting, cavalry battles, etc.
@ExUSSailor4 жыл бұрын
The plural is "gladii", and, is pronounced, "glad-ee-eye". 4 years of high school Latin finally served a purpose...
@ogilvy854 жыл бұрын
Ty :)
@Aurora20974 жыл бұрын
Cludd-eeh! Actually 😉
@biuuuwulf69754 жыл бұрын
glaw-dee-ee
@Aurora20974 жыл бұрын
@@biuuuwulf6975 gludd-ee-ee!
@tibfulv4 жыл бұрын
Technically, it's glad ee yee, according to the Romans.
@johnfoster92263 жыл бұрын
In a modern context the gladius would be viable in a home invasion scenario. Given your in a country where firearms are not common, the United Kingdom being a good example. Due to the process of obtaining even a section 1 licence and the required storing of said firearm in a vault separate from ammunition. In conjunction to routine checks by authorities storing a firearm in a state of easy access is too much risk of loosing your firearms and licence.
@Warmaker015 жыл бұрын
Fearsome Choppas! - Orkz When you mentioned the Gladius was part of a "system" I knew the video was going to be correct.
@AbstruseDesign5 жыл бұрын
The best sword for a 1v1 sword fight is the one you are the most familiar with and have the most practice with.
@stevenfraser18425 жыл бұрын
The Galdias is a good sword to use with shields - saved you 15 minutes
@gentlegiant65855 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@peterv13185 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@tinman18435 жыл бұрын
You mean it's a good sword to use with shields while fighting in formation.
@juanecheyt5 жыл бұрын
I actually love to hear everything he has to say about ancient weapons..... every single little thing..... no matter how much time it takes.
@tonypepe90744 жыл бұрын
Thankyou
@sarpkosutan91224 жыл бұрын
😂😂 “If you use a gladius don’t use it without a shiel” just Incase Carthage tries to invade again mkay
@widdershins53834 жыл бұрын
Sarp Kosutan If you face an enemy that throws itself at you with no regard for its own safety, a melee weapon in a gunfight will always be useful. Also, if you get cut off and have no chance of resupply, knowing melee guerrilla tactics would be incredibly beneficial
@AL4RC0NR4MO55 жыл бұрын
Would love to see a "Best Sword" video, but with the contexts of both medium to heavy armour, and small to large shields
@MisterKisk5 жыл бұрын
Never mind looking at the sword, you just have to read Roman sources which specifically talk about how good gladii are at cutting, by the accounts of butchering limbs from their opponents. That's the one thing people need to do more before they start talking about anything. READ THE SOURCES! Almost every important military text from the Roman period has been translated into English and you can find them online easily and for free. There is no excuse.
@dernwine5 жыл бұрын
People read pop-history books that are badly researched or read wiki articles because.... primary source material is uncool? Don't know. At any rate, those books make mistakes, mistakes get popularised, and you get some idiot on the internet arguing with an Archaeology graduate because "This book says so so it must be right, wasted your degree there." Urch.
@ChromeMan044 жыл бұрын
Wow similar to a khyber
@michaelmclaughlin73282 ай бұрын
This video reminds me of a fascinating talk given by a Scottish firearms expert in the 1980s, after which he took questions from the audience of gun owners. The question “What is or was the best military firearm” and his carefully considered answer was the Brown Bess musket. This silenced to packed room, then he explained that as a musket, it was average at best, however combined with the logistics and tactics of the time, it was the most effective gun ever.
@jasonfarley90254 жыл бұрын
I certainly want to hear more on your thoughts about which sword/shield pairing is best. Perhaps you've done it by now, but at a glance I don't see it. So, YES!
@charlesdexterward77815 жыл бұрын
Me: "I can answer absolutely ANY weapons question you ask me, Matt.' Matt: "Ok, how about this: ." Me: "Depends on the context." Matt: "... Damn it. "
@iopklmification5 жыл бұрын
"What weapon context is the best context ?"
@JudoMateo5 жыл бұрын
Charles Dexter Ward The essential Saltes of Animals may be so prepared and preserved, that an ingenious Man may have the whole Ark of Noah in his own Studie, and raise the fine Shape of an Animal out of its Ashes at his Pleasure; and by the lyke Method from the essential Saltes of humane Dust, a Philosopher may, without any criminal Necromancy, call up the Shape of any dead Ancestour from the Dust whereinto his Bodie has been incinerated
@Mindtrap0285 жыл бұрын
@@iopklmification You having one when your opponent doesn't.
@spykezspykez70015 жыл бұрын
I thought your gig was deeper, darker stuff. How’s the old squid these days, by the way? With the current ceasefire between our order (ordo malleus) and your dark brethren, it’s been quite... unsettling...
@DakotaMilesO5 жыл бұрын
“Basically the more length you’ve got, the better it is” - Matt Easton 2019 That settles it, boys
@raiderius_5 жыл бұрын
Is that why the Romans defeated the Greeks and Macedonians?
@clxwncrxwn5 жыл бұрын
RAIDERIUS when you got strategy you don’t need fancy weapons.
@raiderius_5 жыл бұрын
so... your saying the Greeks and Macedonians didn't have strategy?
@chaseviking50965 жыл бұрын
Length dosnt mean shit. Those who think length does are idiots who are over complicating for something.
@adfmaxtango5 жыл бұрын
es claro que ese matts nunca peleo en un lugar cerrado
@thedoctrinetv4 жыл бұрын
This was very informative. Thank you.
@tommyodonovan38834 жыл бұрын
"The bestest sword is a freak'n Shark Sword with freak'n lasers on their freak'n heads." -Dr Evil
@RKNGL5 жыл бұрын
Friend: "If you were in a swordfight to death what sword would you bring?" Me: "Obviously a Gun-sword my good man" Him: 😑
@barrysingh28725 жыл бұрын
...because saying 'rapier' (which is basically a one handed spear) is so much better
@emperorconstantine1.3615 жыл бұрын
Corrupted Archangel ...looked up historical Gun-Swords did ya? 👍
@GR-cf4qh5 жыл бұрын
But would you though? At very short range, which you would expect within the confines of an apartment or house, would a gun provide any advantage over a sword? And how about a guns disadvantages? A sword is extremely unlikely to go through a wall and stab your neighbor.
@yamiyomizuki5 жыл бұрын
@@GR-cf4qh this has been studied and there is in fact no convincing evidence that a gun is superior to a knife or baseball bat for home defense, swords have not been studied specifically but since it essentially combines the cutting and thrusting action of a knife with the reach of a bat and has a kinetic force somewhere in between the 2 i would assume it would also work.
@Schwarzvogel14 жыл бұрын
@@yamiyomizuki Swords are a horrible choice for home defense, as are knives and baseball bats. Granted, if you are unfortunate enough to live in an area where you do need to worry about home invasions, and yet where your government doesn't trust mere plebians with anything more deadly than butter knives, then yes, anything is better than nothing. However, you'd also want to consider that your government would probably prosecute you just as harshly for running a man through with a rapier as they would if you gave him a facefull of #4 buckshot. But if you have the choice of a firearm for home defense, there is absolutely *no* reason why you should ever choose a knife or a baseball bat--if you do, you are a fool who will only get yourself and possibly those you live with killed.
@SovereignInvictus5 жыл бұрын
tl;dr: The gladius did not make Rome great; the way the Romans used the sword made the gladius great.
@countberanz43535 жыл бұрын
So it is not about the length, it is about how you swing it ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
@virgosintellect4 жыл бұрын
Greek influence in education and profession guilds, are still exclusively institutional in the west. The Romans became strangers in their own country.
@chrisgaertner21553 жыл бұрын
Matt, as someone working on assembling stories of fantasy fiction in various medieval (and even earlier) periods, I have often wondered about and researched the advantages and disadvantages of certain weapons, and therefore weapon sets. I for one, would indeed dearly love to see a video talking about ideal swords in 1v1 duels when shields are involved. For that matter, I wouldn't mind seeing other lists of this nature discussing how the list might change when types of armour (e.g. mail, plate, brigandine, or even non Eurocentric armour types) are involved in a similar context. Cheers from Canada! Love this channel.
@danilocarvalho21145 жыл бұрын
Great video, mate! Sure, I'd love to see another video like "Which sword is best in a one-on-one duel?..... Historical fencing". It was the first video I watched from your channel and it still one of my favourites. A sword-shield video comparison is not a bad idea. However, I've got another contest-like video suggestion: the best warrior of all time in one-on-one combat (eg.: Japanese Samurai vs Medival Knight or Roman Centurion vs Viking). What do you think? Cheers!
@demomanchaos5 жыл бұрын
Perhaps there should be two parts to the "best sword with a shield" video, one with something small like a buckler and one with a larger shield. A gladius and buckler wouldn't work as well as a gladius and scutum, but a scutum wouldn't be a good pairing for something like a tulwar.
@philipzahn4915 жыл бұрын
Would you make a video about the dacian falx maybe? I think it's quite an unique weapon and was so effective against the Romans that they modified their helmets for it. But maybe a bit hard to come by as a replica...
@derekdacus44375 жыл бұрын
Not just helmets but added bracers and reinforced their greaves
@PochocloEn3D5 жыл бұрын
PLEASE DO THAT VIDEO ABOUT FIGHTING WITH SHIELDS! THE WORLD NEEDS IT!
@portee91135 жыл бұрын
Im surprised you didn't talk about timeframe very much. The romans used the gladius from like 200BC to 700AD..... waaaay before most of the swords you named were able to be invented.
@damiankarol56755 жыл бұрын
Till 700 AD? What? By the 3rd AD it was replaced with spatha and side weapon, semi-spatha.
@yamiyomizuki5 жыл бұрын
Actually the chinese were already making n handed swords as early as 200bc
@amindofiron5 жыл бұрын
That's a beautiful looking sword. looking forward to the review.
@Gunfreak195 жыл бұрын
Matt, I'm reading the swordsmen of the British empire. Several accounts claim the tulwar(or lightsabre according the British) actually can cut through the barrel of a musket. Given you yourself couldn't cut through a rapier with various swords. This claim doesn't pass the sniff test.
@stinkyfinn69775 жыл бұрын
My grandad cut a American aircraft carrier in half with his katana at pearl harbor
@MrJoetron3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your thoughtful analysis! Fantastic breakdown, and I agree on all points. Your discussion of the sword (1) as part of a weapon system (sword & shield), and (2) the presence of advanced armor as defining characteristics of essential context are spot on. To more robustly complete the gladius' evaluation, however, I think we must also (and just as importantly) consider (3) the individual soldier's role and position in a formation, and (4) the battlefield maneuvers/tactics of the formation itself. Who doesn't think of the shield walls and tortoise formations when thinking of Romans fighting? The maneuverability of the one-handed gladius inside those tightly packed formations, and its relative light weight and accompanying speed go a long way to making each soldier (and, therefore, the formation) more mobile, increases their fighting endurance through less weight encumbrance, and reduces the chances of fratricide in the melee.
@TheDcraft5 жыл бұрын
Will you ever cover the falcata? And is it related to the gladius? It looks different, but it comes from Iberia too, if I'm not mistaken.
@WarPigstheHun5 жыл бұрын
Roman's did get their gladius design from iberia...
@METALLIFY165 жыл бұрын
Its like asking if an M16 is a good rifle. In what context? Thats the key.
@gurdjieff92825 жыл бұрын
for killing rice pickers it is a great weapon.
@zackgeorgly50995 жыл бұрын
In what context would the M16 NOT be a good rifle? The only example I can think of is if you just don't get ammo for it when it's just a poor substitute for a club.
@zackgeorgly50995 жыл бұрын
@Lord Azreal Lais All right, I did not realize M16 was THAT different from M4.
@8disillusion85 жыл бұрын
ACR Bushmaster? Lol junk. Remington crap. I'll take my Tavor x95 over that anyday. Even my Bren 805. Oh, but keep pretending to know anything about guns 😂
@GR-cf4qh5 жыл бұрын
Lot of answers here from keyboard warriors who have probably never held an M16, much less it’s different variations. In a lot of ways it’s a fantastic weapon. Extremely ergonomic, modular and with fantastic accuracy and optics mounting options. Reliability can be good if it’s clean, lubed and relatively new. The old, worn M16A1’s I first had to qualify on convinced me they were hopelessly unreliable. Later when we got M16A2’s the difference was night and day.
@Kierkergaarder5 жыл бұрын
The tyrant Agathocles stymied all threat of rebellion from the citizens of Syracuse by tricking them and taking away their shields, not their armour or weapons. I think that Matt's point is very good that you need to see the gladius in context with a shield but to take it further: the scutum-gladius pairing (to take it further the pila and lorica hamata) shouldn't ever be considered separately. Together they form a weapons system that is effective, take away the scutum and you have something much less and 50% effective than the original pairing. Same could be said for removing Viking/Migration era shields away from Hearthweru or the hoplon/aspis from Greek citizens
@dbmail5454 жыл бұрын
I have a replica gladius. It is the perfect length for thrusting: short enough to be stiff and handy while still long enough to keep from stabbing oneself when drawn fully back for a thrust. It was a backup weapon. The primary arms of Roman troops were the large shield and the spear. The gladius was more like a pistol than a rifle in its use.
@Caddrel4 жыл бұрын
A video on what is the "best" sword to pair with a shield would be awesome!
@austinshoffman46515 жыл бұрын
74 Centurion mains disliked this video. Also, came here from skallagrim. Glad I did. It's great how in depth your talks are
@theJellyjoker5 жыл бұрын
I get the feeling that long vs short is the sword worlds version of the gun world 5.56 vs 7.62
@dvldog_5 жыл бұрын
Or 9mm vs .45.......
@davidtuttle75565 жыл бұрын
@@dvldog_ I prefer .44
@brianfuller76915 жыл бұрын
Both the gladius and the spatha were solid swords and did their respective jobs well. I personally prefer the spatha but both have defenders. You make a solid point that a sword made to be used by itself ( without scutum) excels when used by itself. The combination of gladius and shield was a formidable combination. Great video as always.
@Kowalski0893 жыл бұрын
The best duelling sword used in conjuction with a shield does sound cool!
@Witnessmoo5 жыл бұрын
For formation fighting, with big shields, wielded by disciplined and aggressive soldiers - it’s excellent. Once you get close into the enemy ranks, you basically become near unstoppable. They can’t wield their long spears and long swords, but you can use your short sword very effectively.
@ivymike26915 жыл бұрын
Have some trouble hanging something on that back wall, Matt?
@jeangab5363 жыл бұрын
i like how you always handle your swords during your videos ..we can see its your comfort zone
@armorvestrus68825 жыл бұрын
Points to ponder, no hand guard means it was not a dueling sword. It was not to long and not hard on the wrist. Easier to carry than a very long sword over land on foot. Easier to use than a long sword. Easier to draw than a long sword.The gladius could cut very well but had a long sharp point for stabbing. One deep stab with that point would put a man down and out of a fight. Also you video was excellent about it.
@TheZebracakez5 жыл бұрын
Please do that video about which is the best sword IF shields are included. Please include axes and other alternative weapons to "swords" if time permits.
@ethanrice11025 жыл бұрын
Finally. I’m tired of people praising this sword without its formation and shield wall. Edit: also thanks for the point about the rapier. I’m tired of people calling it an anti armor weapon when it was a civilian dueling weapon
@wierdalien15 жыл бұрын
So you mean Context is important. Who would have thought.
@sempergumby39294 жыл бұрын
A better question is this: Were the Roman Legions hampered by a deficiency in the standard sword used by its legionaries? or was it a net asset? The Roman military did indeed have weaknesses and deficiencies (as have every military organization that ever existed btw). Was the Gladius more of an asset as part of Rome's notable strengths OR more of a detriment as part of a notable weakness? These related questions cannot be answered outside the context of the physical makeup of the average legionary, the cultures and discipline levels of the legions and the organization, leadership and tactics employed. Last but not least is the consideration of the opposition that the sword (sheathed as well as unsheathed) would be used against. For example, it would not be relevent to criticize the Gladius as a substandard cavalry sword since the legions consisted primarily of infantry.
@soarinpenguinlive63723 жыл бұрын
A sword is a tool it status is built by the men who carried it is probably what the roman would tell you.
@jjw51652 жыл бұрын
Cavery used longer swards most of the time in roman army
@Mhorton324 жыл бұрын
Important not to forget Roman soldiers used the gladius last. They threw pilum and javelin and often fought with spears, especially the more veteran legionnaires. In a shield wall or in urban combat on the streets of Rome, the gladius finds its home. The saxons and Vikings similarly used seax in the shield wall for the same reasons.
@MrManifolder5 жыл бұрын
The gladius was impressive, but it was only 1/3 of a weapon system consisting of scutum, helmet and gladius. Those three in combination allowed the Roman soldier to hold their ground against much larger and stronger opponents and most projectiles of the time. The scutum was the most remarkable piece of equipment of the three. It covers more of the body than any other shield and its plywood-like construction makes it relatively light for its size while retaining strength. The long rectangular shape combined with a center grip allows you to deliver a devastating long-range "punch" with the bottom of the shield. It is the perfect shield for closing the distance prior to the popularization of the sinew-composite bow. As for single combat, when the Romans were hard pressed during their conquest of Gaul, Caesar repeatedly told his men to "spread out" so that they had "room to fight," indicating that the Roman fighting style was likely capable of fighting one-on-one.
@fatsacktony15 жыл бұрын
15 minutes of saying the same 2 minutes over and over again.
@infantiltinferno5 жыл бұрын
Welcome to HEMA youtube. You'll find it endearing, eventually.
@chrissturm38035 жыл бұрын
I usually like these type of videos but had to stop half way through as he was just waffling on.
@barkebaat5 жыл бұрын
Yes, he would benefit from tightening things up, does tend to ramble on without much progress.
@widdershins53834 жыл бұрын
He didn’t say context nearly as much as he usually does lol that’s different?
@BoleDaPole4 жыл бұрын
Gotta go over 10 minutes to get that cash
@Mightylcanis5 жыл бұрын
Please do a "best" sword+companion weapon video, it'd be a great video. Perhaps consider things like daggers as well, though I personally doubt it'll beat out a shield.
@slackerpope5 жыл бұрын
Oh yes, please do that video you mentioned. Answer the question: "What is the best sword when used with a shield?" You could even pick best combinations of sword and shield! Tons of material here. You could make several videos on this theme and we (the people) would appreciate all of them. Keep up the good work mate. You're the best!
@cultofmalgus13104 жыл бұрын
Me: *Looks at map of Roman Empire* Me: Good enough!
@ericsaxon57364 жыл бұрын
Me: Looks up and thinks. (Lightbulbs are out, kind of dim in here.)
@TheCrusader10995 жыл бұрын
Would be interesting to compare it to the Pompejii style later gladius sword...
@wierdalien15 жыл бұрын
Or the Metz
@andreasvogt99824 жыл бұрын
Listen, dude. I thought a 15 minute monologue on a sword would run out of steam and get boring. NOT EVEN. Way to go dude. I was totally into that. You are excellent...that was excellent. Right on. I'm not a sword nut or anything, but I am now a fan of yours.
@ChinchillaofDoom5 жыл бұрын
Yess! do that video! please! ^^ if you ask me - do an entire series about which weapon/armor/siege engine/siege defence/battle strategy/warrior (class/type/period) is best for different contexts and why - i'd love that! definitely sounds like a job for 'Captain Context' haha
@dominicaustin60165 жыл бұрын
Don't worry, that mark on your computer screen is the mark on his wall.