Ancient weapon choices: why swords?

The primary battlefield weapon for most ancient/medieval civilizations (Rome being the notable exception) were always spears I think
Depends what period of Roman history. Swords were a major weapon for the late Republic, Principate and early Empire, but for most of the Empire's existence the primary weapon was the spear:



The spear was almost always the primary weapon in pre-gunpowder battles, because it was cheap, fairly easy to learn to an acceptable level, and a very effective killer.

The sword was a prestige weapon, and unlike a spear was easy to carry around without occupying your hands, but it was expensive and short range. Definitely a high-end side arm, not the primary weapon, in most armies.
 
Depends what period of Roman history. Swords were a major weapon for the late Republic, Principate and early Empire, but for most of the Empire's existence the primary weapon was the spear:



The spear was almost always the primary weapon in pre-gunpowder battles, because it was cheap, fairly easy to learn to an acceptable level, and a very effective killer.

The sword was a prestige weapon, and unlike a spear was easy to carry around without occupying your hands, but it was expensive and short range. Definitely a high-end side arm, not the primary weapon, in most armies.
exactly its the reason why both sides in the US civil war tried lances, its a long stick with a sharp metal point piece of death at the end. Who wouldn't want that compared to a gun?
 
Depends what period of Roman history. Swords were a major weapon for the late Republic, Principate and early Empire, but for most of the Empire's existence the primary weapon was the spear:.

A major weapon probably throughout Roman history but not the primary weapon, even in the late Republic.


I agree with the general point that spears were the primary weapon, but need to point out that most swords had a point which could be used as a weapon - which was, after all, the point of the thrust.

And that thrust can go through armour.
 
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