Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Ancient Roman silver amulet pendant formed as a miniature sword (gladius). The blade is long and tapering with a central ridge running along its length and terminating in a sharp point. The upper section widens slightly to suggest a simplified guard and hilt, above which the original silver suspension loop allows the pendant to be worn on a cord or chain. -> Miniature weapon pendants were worn throughout the Roman world as personal amulets. Such objects symbolised strength, protection, and martial power, reflecting the importance of military culture within Roman society. -> Small representations of weapons such as swords, daggers, and axes are known from Roman contexts and were often worn as symbolic talismans, possibly intended to invoke protection or the virtues associated with Roman soldiers. Length: ± 38,3 mm (excluding suspension ring) Condition: good solid condition, wearable and complete with the original suspension ring. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (PDF format) for items with a hammer price of €100 or more. -> A Gladius amulet is one of the most attractive and desirable ancient amulets. These were issued to soldiers in combat. The Roman Gladius was the primary sword for Roman foot soldiers. Early Roman swords were based on the Greek xiphe. From the 3rd century BC the Romans adopted and improved the swords of the Celtiberians in Hispania (modern-day Spain), known as a 'gladius hispaniensis'. A Roman Legionair was equipped with a gladius (sword), pugio (dagger), scutum (shield), a pila (javelin). Gladii were two-edged for cutting and had a tapered point for stabbing. A solid grip was provided by a knobbed hilt added on, possibly with ridges for the fingers. The hilt (capulus) was often ornate. The gladius was sheathed in a scabbard mounted on a belt or shoulder strap. A centurion wore it on the opposite side as a mark of distinction. Towards the end of the 2nd century AD and during the 3rd century the spatha gradually replaced the gladius in the Roman Legions. Material: This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics. Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material. Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.