Collection: Daggers

Late Roman dagger (Pugio)
The Pugio was a dagger used by Roman soldiers as a sidearm. It seems likely that the pugio was intended as an auxiliary weapon, but its exact purpose to the soldier remains unknown for sure. It was part part of the "military belt" that was worn at all times by the soldiers — a "status symbol" if you will to show they were soldiers. It is thought that the pugio was usually highly decorated due to its being a personally bought item and as such, soldiers, like those today, tended to like to "improve" their kit. It is thought that many soldiers spent their money in their kit as they had no way to invest it. Attempts to clasify the pugio as a utility knife are misguided, as the form of the pugio is not suited to this purpose. In any case, utility knives in a variety of sizes are common finds at Roman military sites, meaning there would be no need for a pugio to be used in this way.

Roman Pugio with scabbard, 2nd century, Museum Carnuntum