Unusually large indian/persian axe ,tourist maybe ?

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by Ian

If not fatal within a minute or two, then blood loss and infection would likely do the job. Nasty weapon the gladius--it could leave a big hole.

Yup, incapacitates quickly, then as they advanced, the guys behind you would stomp on their heads or give them the coup de grâce to make sure they weren't faking. 80% of the casualties usually occurred when the opponents broke and started fleeing, to be cut down from behind. The gladius on it's own was not anything special, it was the whole weapons system and tactics behind it. The man is the Weapon, the other bits are just accessories.