This sword model is a roman Mainz Gladius, which can be recognized in movies such as 'Gladiator' . The weapon was more commonly used after 15BC and was used up until about the end of the 1st century AD, where it was superceded by the Spatha. The sword was primarily created for stabbing, but could also be used as a slashing weapon. The sword would look excellent in a medieval-themed world or any time period around the 1st century.