The sica is a dagger that was prevalent in the ancient Balkans. It is a shorter form of the falx, and it is the root word of the modern sickle. The distinctive shape was designed to get around the sides of an opponent’s shield, and stab or slash them in the back. In Roman gladiatorial combat the Thraex gladiator used the sica against his usual opponent, the Murmillo gladiator who carried a large sheild.