This bronze sword was probably used by native people in Gaul, Asia Minor, or the more primitive parts of Greece to defend their homeland against the Roman invader. It is a type with the bronze hilt fastened to a bronze blade with rivets and was a stabbing rather than a cutting sword. It was widely used 1500 - 1200 B. C. by the Mycenians and people in Asia Minor. Though a little early for the Roman period, this type was still used by Celts and other people. The Romans customarily used a short iron sword called a gladius..