Sica

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The sica was a sword in Ancient Rome. It was the weapon of choice used by a Thracian gladiator. It was originally depicted as a curved sword, (see the Zliten mosaic as well as numerous oil lamps) with a blade about 16-18 inches long. The later sica blade (from late in the first century AD) had a sharp,almost 45 degree, bend in it. While early sicas may have been single edged, the later bent sicas were apparently double edged. The distinctive shape was designed to get around the sides of an opponent's shield, and stab or slash them in the back. Since the traex gladiator's usual opponent was the scutum (large shield) carrying myrmillo gladiator, such a weapon as the sica was necessary to make the duel more even and exciting.

Sica was the weapon of choice of the Dacians, and can be seen all over Trajan's Column in their hands.

[edit] Fighting Style

Sica was used only with the curve pointing down, which proves the tool part of it, and the fighting style was similar to the Kama knife. It will easily severe a limb off with one slash-pull-cut technique. It was very much feared by the Roman legionaries, and brought some changes to their armour style design.

Also the sword could be used, in experienced hands, to kill in one hit. With the curve pointed down the tip would often catch on the enemy's helmet. The Thracian could then lurch the sword upward into the jaw and through the face killing them instantaneously.