The Sword of St. Maurice

By Crusader1307

The Legend of St. Maurice is linked to Ancient Rome and the persecutions of Christians. As the legend goes, Maurice was a Roman Officer who was converted to Christianity secretly. He believed he could serve both his "God" and The Emperor. He was also able to convert 100 of his fellow soldiers. One day, he wad given orders to eliminate fellow Christians. He and his men refused. After which, he and his men were "decimated" (or killed by driving a spike onto the back of their head). As he achieved Martyrdom because of his act, he was made a Saint of the early Church. He was invoked as Patron of Soldiers, Armies and The Military. It was said that St. Maurice's Sword (A Roman Spatha), was entrusted to The Holy Roman Emperors. The Sword was used as The Coronation Sword for their Enthronement since Otto IV (1198) and up to Karl I (1916). The blade is double-edged and 40-inches long. It's scabbard is leather. A Sword reputed to be The Sword of St. Maurice is currently kept at The Imperial Treasury Museum in Vienna, Austria.