"This stabbing technique was most effective on the battlefield as deep stabbing wounds to the midsection of an opponent. Unlike other swords that were used in strike to inflict glancing lacerations the thrust of a Gladius was almost always fatal. A Roman legionary would always mount the scabbard for his Gladius on the right side, allowing a formation of soldiers to easily draw their swords in formation without accidentally injuring soldiers to either side. Centurions and Praetorian Guard units typically wore their swords on the left as a sign distinction from the regular legionnaires. These weapons were also often seen in the hands of the Gladiator entertainers throughout the empire."
