The gladius — short, deadly, and iconic — was once the signature weapon of Rome’s legions. So why did it fall out of favor? And what made the longer spatha the sword of choice in the later empire? In this episode, we trace the evolution of Roman military tactics, battlefield needs, and cultural influences that led to this shift in weaponry. From changing enemies to cavalry combat and frontier warfare, discover how a simple change in sword design reflected the transformation of Rome itself.