Getic Falxmen
Light Infantry(0.6.7)Side / Back
Short description
Getai Falxmen were tough and courageous warriors often used as shock troops to carve a way into tight enemy formations.
Description
The falxmen were the shock troops of the Getic army. Often half naked and carrying the dreaded falx, a fearsome weapon that can cut a man in two, these warriors were used to carve a way through enemy lines and inspire fear among the enemy.
"Trajan engaged the war with hardened soldiers, who despised the Parthians, our enemy, and who didn't care of their arrow blows, after the terrible wounds inflicted by the curved swords of the Dacians." Fronto, Principia Historiae, II
The word "falx" was actually derived from a Latin word meaning "sickle", and later it was associated with a number of tools and weapons that had a curved blade, and were sharp on the inside edge in the same manner as a "scythe". Historically, this is one of the few weapons that made such an impact on the Romans that they strengthened their armour with reinforcing bars to the standard legionary helmets.
The falx was widespread in different variations all over the Balkans, but especially among the northern Thracian tribes, where we find the largest examples. The Falx ranged from two-handed weapons, to one-handed "sica" and rhomphaia. Strangely few examples of the large falxes were found although they are present on Trajan's column.