12/10/2026
GLADIUS HISPANIENSIS – An Exceptional Sword Marking the End of a Chapter in Fabrica Cacti's History.
For many years, we have taken on commissions from some of the most demanding clients. We have always particularly enjoyed working with people who know exactly what they want, have a clear vision, and pay extraordinary attention to historical details.
One such person is Aymeric, who has trusted us for many years, commissioning various pieces of equipment that have helped him create an exceptionally accurate impression of a Roman legionary from the Republican period.
This time, the challenge was to create a gladius hispaniensis, inspired by archaeological finds from Alise-Sainte-Reine (Alesia), including swords studied by André Rapin.
Roman swords of the Republican period remain one of the most fascinating, yet challenging subjects in the archaeology of ancient weaponry. As Michel Feugère pointed out, identifying the Republican gladius in the archaeological record continues to present considerable difficulties.
Of particular interest are two swords discovered at Alise-Sainte-Reine, whose morphological and technological characteristics suggest that they may represent early members of the Roman gladius family, possibly corresponding to the weapon described by Polybius as the gladius hispaniensis.
Our reconstruction was created according to Aymeric's exceptionally detailed specifications, carefully following his instructions regarding proportions, blade geometry, and construction details.
The entire sword was handcrafted in the Fabrica Cacti workshop, and we must admit that we are particularly proud of the result.
Take a closer look at the remarkable, multi-element pommel. Each component was painstakingly shaped, carved, and polished by hand. Equally interesting is the blade itself, with its unusual profile and distinctive geometry, quite different from the forms most people associate with the familiar gladii of the Imperial Roman army.
A few technical details:
- Overall length: 91 cm
- Weight: 873 g
- Production: Entirely handcrafted
- Historical inspiration: Swords from Alise-Sainte-Reine, discussed in the research of André Rapin
This sword also holds a special, symbolic significance for us.
It is the last sword produced by Fabrica Cacti — at least until further notice.
After many years of working on historical weapon reconstructions, we have decided to suspend sword production and focus our time, energy, and workshop capabilities on other areas of Fabrica Cacti's activities.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has placed their trust in us over the years and now owns a sword made in our workshop.
Every single one was a unique challenge, and many of these projects helped us gain practical experience that no amount of theoretical knowledge could ever replace.
Will we ever return to swordmaking?
We certainly wouldn't rule it out.
Historical craftsmanship has always been our passion, and it is difficult to permanently close the door on something that has been such an important part of our work for so many years.
For now, however, we are putting aside the hammers, files, and polishing tools used in swordmaking to dedicate ourselves to new challenges.
Thank you, Aymeric, for another extraordinary commission and for the trust you have placed in us throughout all these years!
Fabrica Cacti – History Crafted by Hand.
