The Roman Sidearm
The small dagger used by Roman soldiers and citizens was often carried as a sidearm. It seems likely that the daggers were intended as an auxiliary or backup daggers in military tactics, but it found many uses, such as a utility knife and even status symbol of politicians and citizenry. The Roman dagger was often highly decorated and were clearly a status symbol. Officials of the empire took to wearing these ornate daggers in the performance of their offices, and some would wear concealed daggers as a defense against contingencies.
The dagger was a common dagger of assassination and suicide; for example, as is recorded of the conspirators who stabbed Julius Caesar.
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