answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In close combat weapon of Roman soldiers would the gladius, a short double-edged sword. The advantages of a short sword was that it was light, and easy to handle. Its use was quick and did not require too much energy. Above all, it was very effective for stabbing during thrusting both in individual combat and when pushing forward in close ranks.

The effectiveness of the gladius for close combat can be seen when compared with the long Celtic sword. The latter was longer and heavier and was used for slashing. It had to be swung to hit the enemy. This meant that it had to be used at a longer distance and it was slower to hit the target than the gladius, whereas the gladius was effective at the closest range and quicker to use. Its type of use and its weight also caused the Celtic soldiers to get tired more quickly than the Romans . This difference is one of the things which gave the Romans an edge in their battles against the Celts.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

This question requires a specific answer as the weapon refers to one that is used in a specific combat situation. In close quarters with the enemy, the Roman foot soldier relied on gladius hispaniensis. The was a double edged short sword about two feet long. It was tipped with a long triangular point.Many historians believe the sword originated in Spain in the first Punic War. The sword was deadly. It could easily cut off an enemy's limb. It was most lethal when used as a puncture weapon. Romans observes that a penetration of two inches in a vital part of an enemy's body was normally a mortal wound.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What type of weapon did Ancient Roman soldiers use for combat in close quarters with the enemy?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is a battle-axe?

A battleaxe is an ancient military weapon, a form of axe designed for military combat, or a heraldic term for this form of weapon on a coat of arms.


What weapon's did poor soldiers use in ancient Greece?

they used daggers and poor quality armour


What was the first use weapon of a Roman soldier?

Before Roman armies were close enough for hand to hand combat with an enemy army, they had what is called a "first use weapon". For the Romans this would be the javelin or spear. It was thrown into the enemy ranks. For example other first use weapons of other ancient armies such as soldiers in the Persian empire was the bow and arrow.


What are facts about ancient greek weapons making?

Greeks used bows and arrows only when there spear,there main weapon in combat and war, was completely broken


Were yoyos used in combat?

no as a hunting weapon


What was the first empire to use the chariots as a combat weapon?

hittites


What is an ancient word for weapon?

In the Language of the ancient hebrews the way to say weapon is (שֶׁלַח) Shelach. Shelach means weapon, sword or missile (arrow).


What is combat use of nuclear weapon?

Use of nuclear weapons in wartime.


Where is the Covenant super weapon in Halo Combat Evolved?

The "Covenant Super Weapon" is the ring, so it was revealed halfway into the game.


What ancient Greek battle tactic was also used by soldiers in the US Civil War?

Early ancient Greek battle tactics are identified as "shock tactics". Before archery, javelins and heavy cavalry were employed by the Greeks, the basic battle tactic was fighting hand to hand with unsophisticated weapons of war. Three thousand years later, the soldiers of the US Civil War had highly developed weapons and sophisticated battle tactics. With that said, however, "shock tactics" lived on through the millenniums. Soldiers in the US Civil War had a weapon for "shock tactics" and when fighting in close quarters, the fixed bayonet was the instrument of "shock value".


What is the drain rate of the charges of a gravite weapon on runescape?

a gravite weapon looses one charge every six minutes of combat.


Which president ordered the combat use of nuclear weapon?

Truman in WW2 on Japan.