This Sica Sword has a blade of high carbon steel and a hilt of carved wood. A protective brass plate is fitted to the base of the guard. This acute angle of the blade of this Gladiatorial Sica allows it to be used more like a pick than a sword – A downwards or sideways swing can generate a great amount of piercing force. The angle of the blade gives the skilled gladiator the ability to maneuver past the rim of a shield, or to be brought behind of the knee and ankle of the foe to sever ligaments. The Sica was associated with the tribes of the Thracians, Dacians and Illyrians of antiquity – the Roman's adopted the sword for gladiatorial combats when they wanted to recreate their conflicts with these peoples. It can be imagined that the imposing looking Sica and the grievous wounds a Sica could cause gave the weapon a degree of practical showmanship for the Gladiatorial arena.