A Roman gladius pictured beside its bronze sheath, which is decorated with tin and gold. The Mainz gladius was longer and had a more triangular point than the older Gladius Hispaniensis.
The ornate sheath depicts the Roman general (and future Roman emperor) Tiberius (r. 14-37 CE) symbolically ceding victory to Emperor Augustus (r. 27 BCE - 14 CE). The Roman war god Mars and the goddess Nike, the personification of Victory, are also pictured. It was likely commissioned by a Roman officer to commemorate a victory over the Germans in the Alps region.
Found near Mainz, Germany. Made c. 15 CE. Blade: 57.5 x 7 cm (22.6 x 2.7 in). Sheath: 58.5 x 8.7 cm (23 x 3.4 in). The British Museum, London.
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