Sica

The sica (Latin: sica) is a short sword or dagger with a sharply curved blade. In antiquity, it was most commonly used by the ancient Thracians, Dacians, Jews, and Thracian gladiators in Ancient Rome. The sica featured a curved blade about 40–45 cm long and was crafted from copper and iron alloys.

Iron sica. Found in the grave of a Dacian warrior in Cugir. 1st century BCE.

The characteristic curved shape of the blade allowed it to bypass an opponent’s shield and strike them in the back or side. The Thracians also had a similar weapon called the rhomphaia, a two-handed sword distinguished mainly by its longer blade and hilt. The sica was also used in various ritual and symbolic contexts, as evidenced by the discovery of its miniature replicas and depictions on reliefs and vases. In Thracian culture, the sica symbolized martial spirit and bravery, and its possession was considered a sign of high social status.

During the Roman Empire, the sica spread across the conquered territories, influencing local military traditions and becoming one of the symbols of resistance against Roman rule. In particular, it became an indispensable attribute of Dacian warriors, underscoring its importance in their culture and combat practices. The name of this weapon was also used to name a 1st-century CE terrorist group in Judea called the "Sicarii."

In addition, wooden sicae have been found, which were used as training weapons by Thracian gladiators, alongside the rudus, which was used by other types of gladiators.

Ash wood sica. Found in the Balkans. Length 46.5 cm. Held at the Haltern Museum. 1st-3rd century CE.

Related topics

Thracian, Gladiator, Marcus Ulpius Nerva Trajan, Ancient Rome