Roman Army Knife: Not Quite Victorinox

Maximus probably had one of these too. (Via)

In what would be a little expedition through the world wide web domains, I came across this amazing little artifact, the ancient cousin of what we know as a Swiss Army knife/multi tool. Many people also have this belief that the Victorinox emblazoned tool was developed by the actual Swiss, but it was actually the product of a German company first released in 1891. The silver and iron multitool pictured above dates back to the 3rd century Roman Empire featured a fork, spoon, knife, toothpick and a spike.

Its pretty amazing to think that this type of technology, which provided utility on the battlefield dates that far back. Check out more images after the break!