User blog comment:Goddess of Despair/Season 4 battle 1 Hannibal Barca vs Spartacus/@comment-122.57.200.254-20130215062412

Edges

Short Range: Im going with Hannibal on this one as the curved blade of the Falcata gives it devestating chopping power without hindering its thrusting capabilities too much. It is also longer and can reach around enemy shields. The Gladius, while good is essentially a basic short sword.

Edge: Hannibal

Mid-Range: This one goes to Spartacus as the Sarissa is a type of pike which is NOT an effective fighting weapon; it is more of a defensive or "fixing" weapon. The trident is shorter and thus easier to use in a fight, the net can also trip or ensnare enemy warriors so that they can be finished off with the Trident.

Edge: Spartacus

Long Range: This one I am calling a draw as while the Pilum can disable shields and will bend or break after use to prevent enemy warriors from throwing it back Hannibal and his troops will be carrying SEVERAL soliferrums as opposed to just one or two. This gives them more opportunities to kill from a distance.

Edge: Even

Shield: I am giving this to Spartacus as the Scutum is larger than the Caetra and is made of Wood & Iron instead of Wood & Bronze

Edge: Spartacus

Body Armour: I know you did not mention this but I am going to compare anyway as I think it is worth mentioning. Hannibal will be clad in Iron (NOT Bronze & Brass as was depicted on the show) and his soldiers will be wearing chainmail. Gladiators generally fought bare chested or with little armour which gives Hannibal and his men a large target to aim for. Their only real protection was their helmet & shield.

Edge: Hannibal

X Factors: Hannibal has an average of 83.5 as opposed to Spartacus' 76.75

Edge: Hannibal

Overall Hannibal takes this as he and his men are better equipped, he is the better tactician, is more experienced and will likely cut Spartacus open. I do think that Spartacus will put up one hell of a fight in this situation but he is still going to lose. (Not as bad as in an Army vs. Army scenario though)

WINNER: HANNIBAL BARCA