Pompeian Gladius – Roman Short Sword

Pompeian Gladius — Hand-Forged Roman Pompeii-Pattern Short Sword

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Pompeian Gladius — Hand-Forged Roman Pompeii-Pattern Short Sword

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$184.99

Ex Tax: $184.99

Model: Roman Gladius Sword
Product Code: Gladiussword13
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

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Pompeian Gladius — A Hand-Forged Roman Pompeii-Pattern Short Sword

The Pompeian Gladius from Everest Forge reproduces the Pompeii-type Roman short sword — the straight, parallel-edged blade with a short triangular point that became the standard legionary pattern of the early Empire. It is the most recognisable form of the Roman gladius, recovered from archaeological sites including Pompeii itself.

Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, semi-polished, with a full tang. It is fitted with a turned whitewood grip and comes with a leather scabbard. This is a piece for historical collection, living-history reenactment, and controlled cutting practice where permitted by local law. The standard blade is 18 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.

An honest note. This is a hand-forged collector and reenactment sword. We describe how the Pompeii-pattern gladius was used historically — the straight-bladed thrust-and-cut of the Imperial legions — because that history is what the design expresses. We do not sell our blades as weapons. Because every gladius is forged individually, small variations in wood grain, weight, finish, and leatherwork are natural marks of handwork, not flaws.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal

Make This Pompeian Gladius Yours

Choose your length, handle material, edge, and engraving — or commission a fully bespoke Pompeian gladius to your own archaeological reference. Personalised engraving is included at no extra charge.

Customise This Gladius → Commission a Bespoke Gladius →

The Pompeian Gladius — A Brief History

The Pompeian gladius, named after finds at Pompeii, was one of the last gladius patterns the Roman infantry carried before the gradual shift to the longer spatha. It rose to prominence during the 1st century CE and became the most standardised and iconic form of the Roman short sword.

Its signature is the straight, double-edged blade with parallel edges and a short triangular point — a profile built for both cutting and the precise thrust that defined Roman close-formation tactics, where legionaries fought behind the large scutum shield. The Pompeii pattern is the standardised successor to the earlier, waisted Mainz form.

Why This Pompeian Gladius Stands Apart

True Pompeii pattern

The straight, parallel-edged blade and short triangular point of the Pompeii type — the most standardised and recognisable Roman gladius.

Straight double-edged blade

Parallel cutting edges drawing to a triangular point — balanced for both the cut and the classic Roman thrust.

5160 spring steel, oil-tempered

The same high carbon spring steel used in vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and resilience. Oil-tempered to a working hardness — not a stainless display blade.

Full-tang construction

The tang runs the length of the grip for structural integrity — the foundation of a sword built to be handled, not just displayed.

Whitewood grip and leather scabbard

A turned whitewood handle paired with a handmade leather scabbard, included for safe carry and storage.

Hand-forged in Nepal

Forged on hammer and anvil by our blacksmiths in Kathmandu. See the process on The Making and meet the team on Meet the Maker.

Specifications

Pattern

Pompeii type — straight parallel edges, triangular point

Blade length

18 inches (standard) — other lengths available

Handle length

7 inches

Overall length

25 inches (standard)

Blade weight

Approx. 0.77 kg

Blade

Straight double-edged, semi-polished

Steel

5160 high carbon spring steel

Heat treatment

Oil-tempered to working hardness

Tang

Full tang

Handle

Whitewood (standard)

Scabbard

Leather scabbard, included

Edge

Sharpened working edge — blunt training edge available

Customise Your Pompeian Gladius

Most details on this gladius can be specified to your preference before forging begins. Use the options on this page to build your blade, or contact us for anything outside the standard list.

Length

Standard 18-inch blade, or specify any length from 14 to 30 inches. Forged to your dimension at no extra charge.

Handle Material

Whitewood as standard. Rosewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request to suit display or handling preference.

Edge

Sharpened working edge by default, or a blunt training edge for HEMA sparring and stage rehearsal — included at no extra charge.

Engraving

Names, dates, Roman mottos such as SPQR, or a family or regimental crest — engraved on the blade or handle, included at no extra charge.

Build My Pompeian Gladius →

Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger

An Everest Forge Pompeian Gladius

5160 high carbon spring steel
Oil-tempered to working hardness
Full-tang construction
Forged and shaped by hand
Stands up to controlled cutting practice and reenactment use

A typical decorative replica

Stainless or unknown steel
Little or no heat treatment
Rat-tail or partial tang
Cast or stock-removed in a factory
Built for display only — not for handling

The Complete Gladius Collection

Pompeii Gladius

Our standard Pompeii-pattern gladius, forged to the archaeological reference.

Mainz Gladius

The earlier Imperial waisted pattern with a long reinforced point.

Republican Gladius

The earlier, broader Republican-era form, based on the Delos find.

Eagle Gladius

A presentation short sword crowned with an eagle-head pommel.

All Roman Gladius Swords

Browse the full Everest Forge gladius range by pattern, length, and use.

Who This Pompeian Gladius Is For

Roman history collectors — buyers who want the iconic Pompeii-pattern gladius to anchor a Roman or military history collection, forged from the archaeological form.
Reenactors and living history — Roman legion reenactment groups who need period-accurate Pompeii geometry in real, hand-forged steel.
HEMA and martial-arts students — those studying Roman thrust-and-cut footwork with a real-weight blade. A blunt training version is available for sparring.
Cutting-practice users — buyers who work tatami, bottles, and bamboo and want the standard Roman short-sword profile.
Gift buyers — a serious, lasting gift for a history enthusiast, with optional engraving for names, dates, or a crest.
Film, theatre, and production — full-weight authentic steel for historical productions, with blunt versions for choreography.

How It Is Made

Steel selection

We start with 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and shock resistance.

Forging and shaping

The bar is heated and hammered by hand into the straight, parallel-edged Pompeii blade with its triangular point, then semi-polished.

Heat treatment

The blade is hardened and oil-tempered to a working hardness, balancing a durable edge against a resilient spine.

Finishing and fitting

The whitewood grip is shaped and fitted, the edge is brought up, and the leather scabbard is finished to match.

What Is Included

One hand-forged Pompeian gladius in 5160 spring steel
Leather scabbard
Personalised engraving where requested, at no extra charge
Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather

Shipping, Returns, and Warranty

Every gladius ships from Kathmandu, Nepal via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis — duties and taxes are handled so there is nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing time. Some countries restrict the import of swords above certain lengths; it is the buyer's responsibility to check local law before ordering.

Standard gladii carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised pieces are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Shipping and Returns and Warranty and Returns Policy pages.

Caring for Your Gladius

Wipe the blade clean after handling and apply a light film of mineral or blade oil to protect the high carbon steel from moisture. Store the sword out of the scabbard in dry conditions for long-term keeping, since trapped humidity can mark a carbon blade. Treat the leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the whitewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged Roman Gladius

Order Your Pompeian Gladius

Choose your length, handle, edge, and engraving — or commission a fully bespoke Pompeian gladius. Every blade is forged in 5160 spring steel and shipped worldwide with tracking, duties paid.

Customise This Gladius → Ask a Question →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pompeian gladius?

The Pompeian gladius is the Pompeii-type Roman short sword, named after finds at Pompeii. It has a straight, parallel-edged double-edged blade with a short triangular point, and it became the standardised legionary pattern of the early Empire during the 1st century CE — the most iconic form of the Roman gladius.

What is the difference between the Pompeian and the Mainz?

The Pompeian (Pompeii) has straight parallel edges and a short triangular point, while the earlier Mainz has a broad, leaf-shaped waisted blade and a long point. The Pompeii is the standardised successor to the Mainz.

What are the dimensions of this Pompeian gladius?

The standard piece measures 25 inches overall, with an 18-inch blade and a 7-inch handle, and the blade weighs approximately 0.77 kg. The length is a choice — you can specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches before forging.

What steel is the blade made from?

The blade is forged from 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, valued for toughness, shock resistance, and edge retention. It is oil-tempered to a working hardness. Other steels such as 1095 and 1075 are available on custom request.

Is the blade sharp, or can I get it blunt?

The standard edge is a sharpened working edge. A blunt training edge is available at no extra charge for HEMA sparring, stage rehearsal, or where a blunt blade is preferred — just note it in your order or contact us before forging.

Can I choose a different length or handle material?

Yes. The standard 18-inch blade can be made to any length from 14 to 30 inches. Whitewood is the standard handle; rosewood, buffalo horn, and exotic timbers are available on request. Mention your choices when ordering.

Can I have the gladius engraved?

Yes. Standard engraving — names, dates, Roman mottos such as SPQR, or a family or regimental crest — is included at no extra charge on the blade or handle. Bespoke ceremonial engraving with metal inlay is available as a premium service. See our Personalized Blades page.

Does it come with a scabbard?

Yes. Every standard Pompeian gladius includes a handmade leather scabbard, for safe carry and storage.

What was the Pompeii pattern used for historically?

The straight blade balanced cutting and thrusting in the close formations of Roman tactics, where legionaries fought behind the large scutum shield. For collectors and reenactors it gives the authentic, standardised Imperial profile; for cutting practice it carries the classic short-sword balance.

How is it shipped, and how long does delivery take?

We ship from Kathmandu via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid basis, so duties and taxes are handled with nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing. Custom and personalised orders may take longer.

What is your return and warranty policy?

Standard gladii carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised gladii are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Warranty and Returns Policy page.

Can I order a custom or fully bespoke Pompeian gladius?

Yes. Specify any blade length from 14 to 30 inches, a custom handle and fittings, and personalised engraving — or commission a fully bespoke Pompeian gladius from your own archaeological reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.

Specification
Blade:	18 inches Long Blade made from carbon steel 5160
Total Length:	25 inches Long in total
Handle:	7 inches Long Full tang Handle made from Sadhan wood
Weight:	770 Grams Approx
Note:	Please note: As each sword is individually hand-forged, slight variations in measurements, weight, and appearance are natural and add to the uniqueness of each piece.