This is a particularly large iron broadsword. The 30 1/2" unfullered blade is suitable for flesh cutting but capable of breaching Roman plate and mail armor for which purpose it evolved. The root of the blade is rounded to seat a straight cross guard. It is in particularly sound excavated condition with surface oxidized and consolidated with its burial environment, probably a grave. The Celts successfully defended against Rome until the Gallic Wars of 58-51 BC which led to their defeat by Caesar. This sword dates to the period before and including the Gallic Wars.
