Titleburg Pugio

The Titleburg Pugio is a dagger that dates back to the 1st century AD. It was discovered in 1904 in a cemetery near the ancient Roman town of Titleburg, located in present-day Germany. The dagger has a distinctive shape, with a double-edged blade and a hilt that is adorned with intricate designs.

The discovery of the Titleburg Pugio has provided valuable insights into the military and social practices of the ancient Roman Empire. Historians believe that the dagger was primarily used by Roman soldiers as a secondary weapon during close combat. Its unique design and craftsmanship suggest that it was not just a functional weapon but also a symbol of status and prestige.

Forging a Piece of History

Inspired by the Titleburg Pugio find, Deepeeka set out to create this a Roman Pugio of their own. Hitting the forge they produced a simple yet classic variant of the Roman Dagger, or Pugio, which replicates the classic broad, wasted blade. The center of the blade is ridged and for stiffness while reducing the blade thickness to reduce weight. Its full-width tang matches the profile of the grip while featuring a carbon steel blade with blunt edge.

Roman Pugio like the Titleburg Pugio were often carried by high-ranking Roman officials, such as centurions and tribunes, as a sign of their authority and power. The dagger was also used in ceremonial contexts, such as during the consecration of new soldiers or the swearing-in of new officials.