Most likely the original gladius hispanicus--if you believe the theory that the sword actually came to Spain, then the 3rd century was the first time the Romans met the Iberian peoples in large-scale military clashes.

Hmm, not sure about that. I'm a little rusty on the particular dates that far back, but I had thought that the Romans didn't adopt the gladius hispaniensis until the Second Punic War, at the end of the 3rd century BC. The First Punic war was the mid-3rd century, and Rome really didn't get into Spain until after that.

Roman swords before the hispaniensis are not well documented. Italy had its own styles, some at least derived from the typical Greek hoplite sword (which was very common in southern Italy into the 4th century). I don't know of any good illustrations online, but you might find more information over at the Roman Army Talk board.

http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/

Valete,

Matthew

I'd use a light shield and a single-handed bearded axe to hook the scutum