Editing Falx (section)

==Development==
[[File:Falx.png|thumb|{{lang|la|Falx}}, drawing based on the Adamclisi monument]]

The two-handed {{lang|la|falx}} is clearly related to the Thracian {{lang|la|rhomphaia}}. It is a derivative of both the sword and the spear, having evolved from a spear to a polearm before becoming more dramatically curved to facilitate a superior cutting action.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} This drastic curve rendered the {{lang|la|falx}} a purely offensive weapon to be used against a broken or routing force.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} Typically, an enemy would be broken by a sustained hail of missile fire from javelin, dart, bow, sling, and stone throwing troops before being chased down and cut to pieces by the {{lang|la|falx}} wielders.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

The ancestor of the two-handed {{lang|la|falx}} may have been a farming implement used as an improvised weapon, in a manner analogous to the [[Bill (weapon)|bill-guisarme]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} The single-handed {{lang|la|falx}} might have been inspired by the sickle, although agricultural sickles of the time were typically quite small &ndash; no more than 30&nbsp;cm or so in length.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

At the time of the Dacian wars, producing a long, sharp blade was technically challenging.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} As such, it might be that the larger two-handed {{lang|la|falx}} was a high-status weapon and used only by the best warriors.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}