In my attempts to understand the history of 'the big knife' (and because I really like them), I'm trying to track down when the pugio ceased to be fashionable and faded from use. The latest ones I've seen were from around 350 AD. Does anyone know of any from a later date (other than modern replicas, of course)? Did the double-edged knife die out entirely with the 'restructuring' of the empire, or did the design linger for some time, and how long?

350 AD? thats sounds a tad late for the pugio. i know there is a 3rd century find but i believe they start to fall out of use during the 4th century. i know on the roman army talk there are some 4thc daggers that appear as well as the single edged knives

I've been trying to join that forum for some time, they do not like my answer to the anti-spamming question... I'd really like to see some of the attachments there, at least.