The History of the Spartan Sword

Ancient Sparta......the mere mention evokes visions of Spartan Warriors, marching in tight formation. Their scarlet capes, Bronze shields and Helmets, each of these proud warriors carrying a long spear. And on the side of each of these proud and formidable warriors was a Spartan Sword.

A valued and fierce close quarters weapon, the typical Spartan Sword was between 19 - 24 inches in length and was generally a leaf shape design. Coming to a point and double edged, this sword was a Spartans secondary weapon, and it usually hung on his left side under his shield.

Each Spartan warrior carried, as his primary weapon, a spear that was between 7 and 9 feet in length. As the Spartan Army would advance against its enemy, it did so in a tight rectangular formation. Shields held in front, and their long spears facing front, this formation, known as a Phalanx was feared by all that opposed it.

As the Spartan Army advanced, the Spartans would use the spears as primary weapon. As they were broken or lost, the Spartan Sword came into play. The Xiphous, or Spartan Sword, would be used with devastating force and quick strikes or lunges in between the openings of the shields. Xiphos translates to "penetrating light" called that because of the lighting quick strikes they could generate due to their small, compact size.

As the Battle progressed, and the advancing Spartans broke the ranks of their opponents, the Spartan Sword would come into full play, as the Spartan Army would chase down their fleeing enemies and strike them down with lighting quick strikes and thrusts from their Spartan Swords.

Today, these Spartan Swords are prized by collectors as they capture the feel of a Spartan. Sleek, strong, and deadly. The Spartan Sword is a weapon that captures the look and feel of an era of history when the Warrior City State of Sparta struck fear in the hearts and minds of those that opposed them with their military prowess and strength.

A true symbol of Spartan history, glory and power is this Spartan Sword. A weapon of a true warrior and a weapon of extreme power.

Roman & Greek Swords