Using a thrusting sword in close quarters was described on a least two other occasions: against the Gauls in 387 B.C. as described by Plutarch and from Polybius describing Cannae and Telamon. In these cases, the author tells how the Gallic blades were inferior because of the quality of the metal and the lack of a point on the sword. The Romans had learned how to avoid the swings of the Gauls and stab them below the shield. The Gauls could only strike one or two blows before their swords bent and they would have to stomp on them to straighten them out.
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