The Roman Army's approach to warfare was direct and pragmatic. It chose the Gladius as its principal sidearm because the gladius was practical and efficient and excelled in any close combat situation. Later versions of the Roman gladius (like the Pompeii) had a shorter point but were just as effective - and easier to make. This is the sword that conquered most of the known world. The Pompeii has an ash and maple handle with a functional high carbon steel blade. The original Roman gladius were excavated from the ruins of Pompeii. You can see examples in H. Russell Robinson's book "What The Soldiers Wore On Hadrian's Wall." CIRCA 100