Short sword is a term descriptive of the size of sword rather than a particular type of sword itself (and contrary to what folks tell
themselves, size does matter). The term short sword didn’t become commonly popular until the early middle ages when the
standard sword length grew. A short sword is generally any bladed weapon longer than a dagger but shorter than a longsword. For
example, the Roman gladius and Greek kopis are referred to as short swords but both have particular names of their own.
Throughout history, short swords have been popular as both primary weapons and back-up weapons. Warriors not quite strong
enough to wield a large sword carried them; the lighter weight of the weapon made it very effective in a close quarters melee.
Spearmen and archers often carried short swords as a secondary weapon, should they have to close with and fight their
opponents.