Thracian Sica

The Sica was a hooked sword with a blade on the inside curve – it was one of the iconic weapons of the Thracians – a people northwest of the Greeks who were renowned in antiquity for their warlike demeanor. These balkan tribes were influenced not only by the Greeks, but by their Scythian neighbors to the north and the Celts to their northwest. Grecian historian Herotodus remarked that the Thracian tribespeople were the second most numerous people in the world (India was the first) and that they would be an unstoppable force if they could halt their incessant internecine warfare.

The Thracians typically fought as peltasts – lightly armored infantrymen who fought in loose, quick formations, throwing an array of javelins before closing with shields and swords.

Their trademark Sica swords and daggers are found today throughout the Balkans. This unique weapon with its forward curve was designed to get past an the shield of an opponent. A side slash, striking against the side of a shield, can pivot at the curve at its center of percussion and slash the man behind. The forward-tipped curve also can be used like a pick, giving fearful puncturing power in a downward stroke.

The Sica was also used by a type of Roman Gladiator – the Thraex, a caricatured Thracian warrior. In the arena he typically dueled the Murmillo gladiator, who with his large shield and sword was the gladiatorial incarnation of the Roman Legionary. The duels between the two brought to life the conflict between Rome and its Balkan foes for the crowd.

This Sica, made in the Czech Republic, has a blunt blade of high carbon steel tempered to a 50-52 HRC. The grip and pommel is of wood and the guard is of brass. Created for stage combat, the blade edges are thick and blunt.