Armor and weapons of gladiators. What were the types and classification of gladiators in Rome

Gladiator fights were a characteristic feature of the ancient Roman way of life. Their main participants were professional fighters trained to fight each other with various types of weapons. The equipment of the gladiators was diverse and initially corresponded to the characteristics of the weapons of various opponents of the Romans.

Over time, several basic types of gladiatorial weapons were formed. We invite you to get to know them better in this thread.

Secutor

The secutor, or "pursuer" is a heavily armed fighter, first mentioned in sources around 50 AD. His protective equipment included a fully enclosed helmet with no visor or brim, a padded bracer on his right arm, and a short greave on his left leg. The large rectangular secutor shield was shaped like the shield worn by Roman legionnaires. He was armed with a short straight sword. The total weight of the secutor equipment was 15–18 kg.

In his equipment, the secutor resembled a gall or murmillo, from which he must be descended. The main difference between them was the opponent with whom these fighters had to meet in the arena. For the secutor, lightly armed retiarii were such constant opponents, while the murmillo usually fought other heavily armed gladiators - hoplomaches and Thracians.

Even a helmet of a special design, which distinguishes the secutor from the murmillon, as well as the provocateur close to him in armament, was specially designed to fight the retiarius. Being practically devoid of protruding parts, this helmet made it easier for the secutor to throw off the enemy's net.

A large shield and other equipment allowed the secutor not to be afraid of attacks, but at the same time limited the fighter with their weight and fettered his movements. To hit his opponent with a short sword, the secutor had to approach him almost closely. The retiarius, much lighter and more agile than his opponent, in turn sought to wear him down with false attacks. The result of the battle between them, therefore, was decided by the composure and endurance of the fighter.

Emperor Commodus, who ruled from 180-192, fought as a secutor in the arena.

Secutor Helm

The helmets that belonged to the secutors include closed combat headgear without a brim, with a high crest at the top of the dome. Structurally, they resemble helmets worn at the same time by provocateurs, from which they differ in a simpler design, as well as a minimum number of protruding parts that could catch the retiarial net, the traditional opponent of the secutor.

The dome of the helmet is forged from a single piece of bronze or iron and fitted with a wide butt plate that provides protection for the neck and upper shoulders. The helmet visor consists of two large cheekpieces suspended on side hinges from the bottom of the rim. In front, the place of joining of both cheek pieces was protected by a vertical pin plate. Eye slits are two unprotected narrow round holes that severely limit the viewing angle. The disadvantages of the helmet include the lack of holes for the ears, which doomed its owner to almost complete deafness. In addition, poor air circulation and significant weight allowed the helmet to be worn only for a very limited time.

Shield of secutor, murmillo and provocateur

The secutor, murmillo and provocateur were armed with a large rectangular convex shield (scutum), similar to those worn by Roman legionaries in the 1st century. Judging by the ratio with the figures of warriors on mosaics and frescoes, the dimensions of the shield were approximately 1 m long and 0.5 m wide. The base of the shield was made of three layers of thin wooden planks glued at right angles to each other. The thickness of the wood in the center of the shield was about 6 mm and decreased towards the edges to lighten its weight. From the outside, the shield was covered with leather and richly painted with geometric patterns and figures. The edges above and below were upholstered with bronze clips so that the tree would not chip from blows. The shield was held with the hand by the transverse handle, which passed through the center. The weight of a modern reconstruction of such a shield is approximately 7.5 kg.

The shield provided the fighter with reliable protection of the hull, but at the same time significantly limited his mobility. In a fight with a more lightly armed gladiator, this circumstance definitely gave the initiative to the enemy.

Leggings of the Secutor, Murmillo, and Provocateur

Leggings (ocrea) were part of a protective armor that covered the leg from the knee to the instep of the foot, i.e. that part of it that was not usually covered by a shield. They were made of bronze by beating a metal sheet along a convex matrix so that it took the shape of a shin. Leggings were worn over soft straps made of stuffed fabric. The diameter of the archaeological finds testifies to the considerable thickness of the soft lining. In order for the leggings to fit snugly on the leg, they were fixed with straps, which were passed through two or three pairs of rings, attached to the edges of the leggings on each side.

The number of leggings and their type were strictly regulated in each type of gladiatorial equipment. Secutors, myrmillons and provocateurs are usually depicted with only one short greave, which they wear on their left leg. During excavations in Pompeii, 9 such greaves were found, the length of which varied from 28 to 35 cm. All the greaves, with the exception of one, were luxuriously decorated with figured chased images and engraved ornaments.

Sword of secutor, murmillo and provocateur

The sword (gladius) was the main weapon of the gladiators, from which they got their name. Judging by the reliefs and mosaic images of the 1st century BC. – I century AD it was the same weapon carried by the Roman legionaries. It was a straight double-edged blade 60-65 cm long and about 4 cm wide, with parallel blades turning into a long and thin point, equally well suited for both chopping and thrusting. The heavy handle, carved from wood and ivory, shifted the balance of the weapon to its lower part, which allowed the fighter to deliver well-aimed thrusting blows, quickly change the direction of attack, make feints, etc.

Judging by the images of the 1st-3rd centuries, the length of the sword is greatly reduced at this time, which makes it difficult to use it in practice, but at the same time delays the duel and increases its spectacular component. During the excavations of the gladiatorial school in Pompeii, three swords were found with a laurel-shaped blade and an ivory handle. The length of the blade of all three specimens varies from 20 to 30 cm.

Bracers

Bracers (manica), which were worn by gladiators, as well as the legguards and greaves they used, could be made both from sheet bronze, and from printed and quilted in several layers of fabric. Due to the lack of material remains of these items of equipment, their design and cut are still the subject of discussion.

Apparently, the stuffed fabric used to make this kind of armor was quite thick. In any case, the poet Juvenal, describing the arms and legs of gladiators, enclosed in soft armor, likens them to the appearance of a thick wooden deck. They look the same on mosaics and frescoes depicting gladiators. In order for the armor to sit snugly in its place, they had to be tightened with lacing and additionally fixed with straps.

As a means of combat protection against enemy weapons, soft armor was quite effective. They protected their owners both from slashing blows and from the pricks of the sword's edge. In addition, they gave the fighters exotic look, which corresponded to the aesthetics of spectacles.

Strictly speaking, there is no unequivocal evidence pointing to the material of gladiatorial bracers. The debate about whether they were made from soft printed fabric or metal plates continues to this day. One of the arguments of the supporters of the first version is that during the excavations of the gladiatorial barracks in Pompeii, many items of equipment were found, but no bracers were found. Their opponents point out that the small plates from which this armor was assembled could simply not be recognized. One of the arguments in favor of metal bracers is a number of finds of the latter during excavations of military warehouses of the 1st-2nd centuries, primarily in Newstead and Carlisle. If the bracers found there could have been worn by soldiers, gladiators could theoretically have used them as well.

Structurally, Roman bracers were laminar armor, in which metal strips, typed vertically, were connected to each other by riveting or stringing them on leather belts. The stripes had to be precisely calculated funnel-shaped. Running into each other, they formed an extremely flexible, elastic coating that did not hinder movement.

Loincloth

The loincloth (subligaculum) was a common Roman undergarment. It was a triangular piece of fabric with a length of one and a half meters on each side. The two ends corresponding to the corners at the base of the triangle were tied in a knot on the stomach. The third end was passed between the legs and dragged under the knot formed by the other two ends, so that it hung down like an apron. From above, the loincloth was fixed with a wide leather belt, which, in turn, was fastened with hooks or simple lacing. Judging by the frescoes and mosaic images, the loincloth was bright colors, perhaps it was also decorated with embroidery.

Although in most of the available images, the gladiators are shown dressed only in a loincloth that leaves the torso and hips open, in some cases the gladiators entered the arena in tunics.

Goplomakh

Hoplomachus is the Greek name for a heavily armed fighter. It is possible that this type of gladiatorial weapon appeared in the 1st-2nd centuries AD. instead of the earlier Samnite. Goplomakh fought in heavy weapons, which included a wide-brimmed closed helmet with a high crest, a bracer made of bronze plates or quilted fabric on his right hand, high bronze greaves and legguards made of soft tissue on both legs. In battle, the goplomakh covered himself with a small bronze shield of a round shape and tried to hit his opponent with a spear. Perhaps he also had a sword or dagger as an additional weapon.

The main opponents of the goplomakhs were the Murmillons or Thracians armed in a similar way. The spear allowed the goplomakh to hit his opponent at a distance exceeding the length of the enemy weapon. On the other hand, the small size of the shield did not provide him reliable protection in defense and close combat. He also could not push his opponent with a large shield, as the murmillo did. In a fight, the hoplomah had to adhere to aggressive, offensive tactics, imposing the pace and distance of the battle on his opponent.

Bronze figurine of a goplomakh. Antique collection, Berlin

Hoplomach's Shield

In the images of gladiators, the hoplomah, as a rule, is armed with a round bronze shield, reminiscent of the shields of Greek hoplites or Macedonian phalangites of the Hellenistic era. Several of these shields were found during excavations, and today they are kept in museums and a number of private collections.

The example of the shield from the gladiatorial school in Pompeii shown in this photo has a diameter of 37 cm and weighs 1.6 kg. It is a bronze cladding, fastened on a wooden base that has not been preserved. The front surface of the shield and the rim are decorated with chased patterns in the form of several garlands of silver leaves. In the center is a round silver plate depicting the face of the Gorgon Medusa. The luxury of jewelry does not necessarily indicate that we have a copy intended only for demonstration.

The small size of the shield does not hinder the movement of the warrior at all, however, at the same time, it limits the protective function provided by it. A gladiator armed with such a shield inevitably lost in close combat and therefore had to keep his opponent at a distance.

Hoplomakh and Thracian Leggings

Secutors, murmillons and provocateurs, who wore a large rectangular shield, as a rule, wore only one short greave on their left leg, which was put forward in a combat stance. The goplomakhs and the Thracians, armed with small shields, had to compensate for its insufficient protective properties with the help of additional items of equipment, primarily legguards and greaves. In reliefs and images, they usually wear a pair of leggings on both legs, and their length reaches about the middle of the thighs.

These images correspond to 10 bronze greaves found during excavations of the gladiatorial school in Pompeii. Their length varied from 48 to 58 cm. Top part the leggings were made in the form of a wide bell, slightly curved outward. The diameter indicates that the greaves were worn over a thick quilted webbing. On the leg, they were fixed with a belt passed through three pairs of rings. All leggings were luxuriously decorated with chased relief, symbolic images and engraved ornaments.

Provocateur

Provocateurs ("defying") are already mentioned in the late Republican period. They were a heavily armed type of gladiator whose equipment resembled a secutor. The provocateur wore a large rectangular shield, a helmet without a crest, first open, then completely closed, a metal or soft bracer on his right hand and a shortened bronze greave on his left leg. A feature of his equipment was a small bib of a rectangular or rounded shape. The provocateur's weapon was a short straight sword. In the arena, provocateurs usually fought against each other. Only one inscription that has survived to our time testifies to his battle with the murmillo.

Provocateur helmet

From the reliefs of the 1st century BC. - the beginning of the 1st century AD it can be concluded that at first the provocateurs fought in open-type helmets with cheek pads that were hinged to the lower part of the helmet rim to protect the face, and a wide butt pad to protect the neck and upper back. This form was reminiscent of an army helmet worn at that time by Roman legionnaires. Then, in the first half of the 1st century AD, in imitation of the helmets of other gladiatorial types, their cheek pads increased so that they began to completely cover the face. In front, they closed with each other and were fixed with a special clip, forming a closed visor. So that a fighter dressed in this helmet could see something, a pair of round holes with a diameter of 8 cm were made in it, which were closed from the outside with round lattice plates.

From the helmets worn by the Murmillons and Thracians, the helmet of the provocateur is distinguished by the absence of wide brim. Only in front of the frontal part of the helmet was a visor riveted. On the other hand, it differs from secutor helmets structurally similar to it by a large number of decorations and protruding parts, for example, side tubes for attaching feathers.

Chestplate of the provocateur

As a rule, gladiators performed in the arena bare-chested, which gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their figure to the public and play with the relief muscles of the chest and shoulders. Only in some reliefs are heavily armed provocateurs depicted wearing a small rectangular plate on their chest to protect the heart area. This piece of equipment is known only from images; not a single copy of the breastplate has yet been found.

Provocateur's shield

Secutors, murmillons and provocateurs were armed with a large rectangular convex shield (scutum), the device of which is described in more detail in the section on the secutor.

Leggings of the provocateur

Provocateur's sword

Retiarius

Retiarii first appeared in the arena at the beginning of the 1st century AD. They were the type of light-armed fighter, appearance who looked like a fisherman. The retiarius performed dressed in a tunic or loincloth, his left shoulder was covered with a bronze pauldron, and his left arm was covered with a vambrace of printed fabric. The retiarii did not wear other protective equipment and fought with their heads uncovered. The weapon of the retiarius consisted of a trident and a net. In battle, they tried to throw a net on the enemy, in order to then hit him with a trident or dagger, which they held in their left hand.

The usual opponent of the retiarius was secutor, occasionally they could also fight against murmillons.

Exceeding any of his heavily armed opponents in mobility, retiarii could choose tactics and control the pace of the battle. Usually they circled around their opponent for a long time, trying to unbalance him and wear him out with false attacks, after which they themselves could easily flee. When the enemy was exhausted, the retiarius could go on the attack. He used his net to hook the enemy, unbalance him, knock him down and immobilize him.

A huge number of references in sources and inscriptions testifies to the spectacular nature of this kind of fights and their wide popularity among the public.

Mosaic of the 4th century. from the National Museum in Madrid, depicting the duel between the retiarius Calendion and the secutor Astyanax. The bottom panel depicts the beginning of the battle, when the retiarius managed to throw his net over the opponent. The top one depicts its completion. Calendion is wounded and, holding out his hand with a dagger, begs for mercy. His opponent won

Retiarius Trident

The retiarial trident (fuscina or tridens) originated from the fisherman's weapon. It was a short spear with three points. In the images, retiarii usually hold it with two hands: the left one is placed forward, the right behind. With this grip, most of the blows should be applied in the direction from the bottom up. Unfortunately, there is still no archaeological find of a trident, so it is difficult to say what its dimensions are. Judging by the available images, the tips of the trident were small.

On one of the skulls found in the cemetery of gladiators in Ephesus, traces left by the trident of a retiarius were found. The distance between the holes is 5 cm. The inlets are located under high angle. This means that the fatal blow was delivered from above, when the defeated opponent was lying on the ground or kneeling.

Retiarius network

The net of the retiarius (rete) has the shape of a circle with a diameter of about 3 m. Lead sinkers were strengthened along its edges so that the net would straighten when thrown. The retiarius could use the net to hook and pull his sword out of the opponent's hands, or to throw the net on himself. Large cells of the network easily clung to weapons and equipment, it was difficult to immediately reset it. Grasping its edge, the retiarius could confuse his opponent, immobilize or knock him down. With an unsuccessful throw, he could pull the fallen net towards him by the rope that connected to his wrist, after which he would make a new attempt. So that the enemy, grabbing the rope, would not pull him towards himself, the retiarius had a dagger with him, with which he could cut it.

Retiarius Dagger

The retiarius wore a dagger in his belt, which he could use as an additional weapon if he lost his trident. This dagger could look like one of the swords with a short blade 20 - 30 cm long, found during the excavations of the gladiatorial school in Pompeii.

On one of the reliefs depicting a retiarius, his dagger looks like four points on one handle. Until recently, weapons of this form were considered an invention of the artist. However, on one of the bones found during the excavations of the gladiatorial cemetery in Ephesus, a trace of a wound inflicted by four points was found, which proves its real nature.

Retiarius Shoulder

The pauldron (galerus) is one of the characteristic elements of the military equipment of the retiarii. They wore it on the left shoulder, along with a bracer of printed fabric on the left hand. Other gladiators usually wore bracers on their right hand. This feature allowed the retiarius to use his right hand more freely to cast his net. Accordingly, having the left side more protected in comparison with the right, the retiarius in battle had to stand, turning his left side to the enemy.

During the excavations of the gladiatorial school in Pompeii, 3 chased bronze pauldrons were found. One of them, shown in the picture above, is decorated with images of a crab, an anchor, a trident, and the other with cupids and the head of Hercules. The third shows war trophies. The height of the shoulder pad is 30–35 cm, the width is about 30 cm, and the weight is 1.2 kg. The wide brim makes the pauldron look more like a small shield that provided some protection to the head, face, neck, and upper chest from top to bottom and from right to left.

Murmillon

Murmillo is a type of heavily armed gladiator, who in the 1st century AD. replaced the earlier gall. The protective armament of the murmillon included a large rectangular shield, a closed helmet with a high plume of feathers and a stylized image of a fish on a crest, bracers on the right hand, and greaves on the left leg. In battle, the murmillo fought with a short straight sword. The same equipment was worn by the secutors, which differed from the murmillons only in a different type of helmet.

The main opponent of the Murmillons were equally heavily armed Thracians and goplomakhs. According to Quintilian, they also had to fight with lightly armed retiarii, but pictorial sources do not confirm this information.

Heavy equipment, the total weight of which was 15–18 kg, required the fighter to developed muscles arms and shoulders, just necessary to fight with a heavy shield and sword. Victory in battle and the very life of the murmillo depended on his endurance, since he had to fight enemies whose equipment was better suited for attack than his own. On the other hand, a large shield gave him significant defensive advantages.

The famous supporter of the Murmillons was the emperor Domitian (81-96).

Part of a relief from the burial vault of Gaius Lusius Storax (25-50 AD) depicting a duel of gladiators. Two murmillos are depicted in the center, two Thracians are on the sides

Murmillo Helmet

Gladiator helmets (galea) are known from a large number images and archaeological finds. Most of the latter were made during the excavations of the gladiatorial school in Pompeii. They are divided into two large types - with margins and without margins. Each of them, in turn, is divided into two more subtypes.

The helmets that belonged to the Murmillans are easily identified on the basis of a large number of relief and mosaic images. These helmets are wide-brimmed, horizontal and almost flat all around in early models, and arched up in front in later models. From above, the dome of the helmet is decorated with a massive box-shaped crest, into which a magnificent plume of feathers or a horse's mane was inserted. A pair of large cheek pads were hinged to the lower part of the helmet rim from the sides, covering not only the cheekbones, but also the face of its owner. In front, the cheek pads closed with each other, forming a closed visor. Their lower part was arched forward to protect the throat. For vision, there were large holes in the cheek-pieces, which were closed from the outside with lattice plates.

All gladiator helmets are made of bronze with a thickness of 1 - 1.5 mm. The surface of the helmets was richly decorated with chased images and engravings. Part of the surface of the helmet could be covered with gilding or silver, or tinned with tin to imitate it. The weight of the helmet varies from 3.8 to 5 kg, which is about twice the weight of a soldier's helmet. True, the legionnaires had to wear their helmet throughout the day, and the gladiator put it on only before the battle, which lasted 10-15 minutes.

Murmillo Shield

The secutor, murmillon and provocateur were armed with a large rectangular convex shield (scutum), the device of which is described in more detail in the section on the secutor.

Murmillo Leggings

Secutors, murmillons, and provocateurs used similar leggings, which are discussed in more detail in the section on the secutor.

Murmillo sword

Secutors, murmillons and provocateurs used the same swords, which are discussed in more detail in the section on the secutor.

Thracian

The Thracians began to compete in gladiatorial contests at least as early as the 1st century BC, when the Romans first encountered them during the wars in the Balkan Peninsula. Over time, a complex of weapons characteristic of them developed, which included a closed helmet with wide brim, a bracer for the right hand and a pair of high greaves. The Thracians held a small rectangular (rarely round) shield in their left hand, and a sword with a curved blade in their right hand.

In the arena, Thracian gladiators usually fought murmillons or hoplomachs, who had heavy weapons similar to their own. Armed with a less cumbersome shield, the Thracian had greater mobility than the murmillo and could impose pace and tactics on him. Unlike the hoplomakh, who kept his opponent on long distance, the Thracian sought to converge with him chest to chest. In close combat, the curved blade allowed him to deceive the enemy, change the direction of the attack very quickly, and cut the weakly protected backs of the arms and legs.

The cunning and deceit of the Thracians were repeatedly noted in literary monuments. Their famous supporter was the emperor Caligula, who ruled in 37-41.

Thracian helmet

The helmet of a Thracian gladiator is easily identifiable based on the large number of images available. Structurally, it is similar to the murmillon helmet and is a headband with wide brim and large cheek pads that completely cover the face of its owner. For vision and breathing, there were large holes in the upper part of the cheek-pieces, which were closed from the outside by an openwork lattice suspended on hinges or pins. The surface of the helmets was covered with chased images and engravings on mythological subjects.

A distinctive feature of the Thracian helmets was a high flat crest adorned with a griffin head. The helmet was also decorated with feathers, which visually increased the height of the warrior and gave him an elegant look.

Fragment of the decoration of the crest of the helmet of a Thracian gladiator, made in the form of a griffin

Thracian shield

Thracian gladiators were armed with a rectangular, rarely round, shield (parma), which had a smaller size than their opponents. Structurally, it was arranged in the same way as the large shield of secutors, provocateurs and murmillons. It consisted of several layers of wooden planks glued perpendicular to each other. Outside, the shield was pasted over with canvas, then with leather, and, finally, richly painted. Variants of decorations can be observed on the example of numerous mosaics of the Roman period. Such a shield provided good protection upper body of a fighter.

Insufficient protection of the lower abdomen and thighs had to be compensated for with a wide belt and leggings. Due to the light weight of his shield, the Thracian invariably outperformed his heavily armed opponent in mobility and could impose on him the time and distance of the battle.

Thracian sword (sika)

Thracian gladiators were armed with a curved sword (sica), which originated from single-edged curved blades common during the 3rd-2nd centuries BC. in the north of the Balkan Peninsula. The length of the original finds of this weapon ranges from 40 to 50 cm, the width is 4 cm. The straight handle of the Shiki was drawn from the blade and lined with wooden cheeks on both sides. The concave blade of the Shiki had excellent cutting properties.

During the excavations of the Roman camp of Oberaden in Germany, a wooden sword with a curved blade was discovered. The length of the blade is 30 cm, the hilt and handle have a characteristic Roman shape. It is most likely that the wooden sword was a training weapon and was lost during the evacuation of the camp in 8 BC.

Thracian Leggings

The goplomakhs and the Thracians used the same leggings, which are described in more detail in the section on the goplomakh.

Loved by the public and sometimes despised by the elite, Roman gladiators were the heroes of antiquity. For almost seven centuries, they have attracted crowds of people to the arenas and amphitheatres, showing their skill, strength and dexterity. Bloody gladiator fights were equal parts sport, theatrical production, and cold-blooded murder.

Here are some facts about the mysterious warriors who became the pillar of the most massive, cruel and popular entertainment that the history of ancient Rome kept.

Not all gladiators were slaves

Most of the first warriors were brought to gladiatorial schools in chains, but by the first century AD. e. The ratio of slaves to free people has changed a lot. Shouts and recognition of the crowd, awe and excitement attracted many free people to gladiator schools who hoped to get fame and money. These free birds were most often desperate people who had nothing to lose, or former soldiers who had necessary training and knowledge for fighting in the arena. Sometimes some patricians and even senators who wanted to show their military training temporarily adjoined the ranks of gladiators.

Gladiator fights were originally part of the funeral ceremony

Most modern historians insist that gladiator performances in the arena are rooted in the bloody tradition of arranging fights between slaves or criminals at the funerals of prominent aristocrats. This kind of bloody obituary follows from the belief of the ancient Romans that human blood cleanses the soul of the deceased. Thus, these cruel rites took the place of human sacrifice. On the occasion of the death of his father and daughter, Julius Caesar organized fights between hundreds of gladiators. Representations enjoyed mass popularity in the first century BC. e. Ancient Rome began to organize gladiator fights whenever the government needed to calm down, distract or enlist the support of the crowd.

They didn't always fight to the death

Despite the popular depiction of gladiator fights in literature and cinema as spontaneous and uncontrolled bloodshed, most of them were carried out according to strict rules. Most often, the fights were one-on-one between gladiators of similar build and with equal combat experience. The judges looked after the battle and stopped it if one of the opponents was seriously injured. Sometimes the fights ended in a draw if they were too long. If the gladiators managed to put on an interesting performance and bring the crowd to delight, both opponents were allowed to leave the arena with honor.

The famous "thumbs down" gesture didn't mean death

When a gladiator was seriously wounded or preferred to admit defeat by throwing his weapon aside, it was up to the audience to decide his fate. Various works of fiction often describe the crowd with their index fingers thrown up if the audience wanted to save the loser. But this opinion is probably not entirely correct. Historians believe that the gesture of mercy was different - hidden in a fist thumb. The fact is that the finger symbolized the sword, and the crowd showed them exactly how it was necessary to kill the loser: a finger up could mean a cut throat, a finger to the side - a blow with a sword between the shoulder blades, and a finger down - a deep blow with a sword in the neck, towards heart. The gestures were often accompanied by loud cries demanding to be released or killed.

Gladiators were divided into types and classes, according to the types of fights and experience.

By the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD. e., gladiator fights became a highly organized, bloody sport with its own directions and types of weapons. The division of fighters into classes took place according to their level of training, experience in the arena and weight class. The division into types depended on the choice of weapons and the type of fighting, the most popular types were murmillons, hoplomakhs and Thracians, whose weapons were a sword and shield. There were also equites - riders, essedaries - chariot fighters, dimachers - armed with two swords or daggers, and many others.

They very rarely fought wild beasts.

Among the military types were bestiaries, who were originally criminals sentenced to duel with wild animals, with a negligible chance of surviving. Later, bestiaries began to train specifically for fights with animals, they were armed with darts and daggers. Other gladiators participated in battles with animals very rarely, even though the fights were organized in such a way that the beast had no chance to survive. Often performances with the participation of wild animals opened the fights and at the same time were used for the public execution of criminals.

Women were gladiators too

Mostly they were slaves, too self-willed for domestic work, but occasionally free women of Rome also joined them. Historians cannot say for sure when women first tried on gladiatorial armor, but it is known for sure that by the first century AD. e. they were constant combatants. They were often the butt of ridicule by the patriarchal Roman elite, but were comparatively popular with the crowd. Despite this, Emperor Septimius Severus forbade women from participating in any games at the beginning of the 3rd century.

The gladiators had their unions

Despite the fact that the gladiators were forced to fight each other, sometimes even to the death, they considered themselves as a brotherhood and sometimes met in colleges. The gladiatorial unions had their own elected leaders, patron deities and levies. When one of them died in battle, the colleges paid compensation to his family and arranged a decent funeral for the fallen.

Emperors sometimes participated in gladiator fights

Among the regulars of the arena were Caligula, Commodus, Adrian and Titus. Most often, they took part in staged battles or had a clear advantage over their opponents. Emperor Commodus once defeated several frightened and poorly armed spectators.

Gladiators often became famous and were popular with women.

Roman historians often called gladiators uneducated brutes, looked down on them by the elite, but successful fighters enjoyed resounding success among the lower classes. Their portraits adorned taverns and houses, children played with clay figurines of their favorite gladiators, and girls wore hairpins covered in gladiator blood.

The picture below shows: Hoplomachus, 3rd c. AD.

Gladiator (from Latin gladius - "sword", "gladius") - the name of the fighters in Ancient Rome who fought among themselves or with animals for the amusement of the public in special arenas.

The first gladiators, strictly speaking, were not such, but were only ordinary slaves and convicted criminals. Later, schools were established for the training of gladiators, and in the hope of fame and fortune, their ranks were filled with people from all classes. Huge amphitheaters were built especially for gladiator fights.

gladiators used different kinds weapons. They often fought one on one. If one of the opponents was wounded, then according to the rules, his fate was in the hands of the audience. If they wanted to keep him alive, they waved handkerchiefs in the air or held their thumbs up. If their thumbs looked down, the victim was to die.

There were cases when citizens, in pursuit of fame and money, gave up their own freedom and became gladiators. Among them there were even female gladiators, when in 63 AD. er. Emperor Nero issued a decree allowing free women to participate in gladiatorial tournaments. After him, Pozzuoli allows Ethiopian women to fight. And the emperor Domitiano in 89 brings dwarf gladiators to the arena.

In order to become a gladiator, it was necessary to take an oath and declare oneself "legally dead". From that moment on, the fighters entered another world, where cruel laws of honor reigned. The first of these was silence. Gladiators communicated in the arena with gestures. The second law is the complete observance of the rules of honor. So, for example, a gladiator who fell to the ground and was conscious of his complete defeat was obliged to remove his protective helmet and put his throat under the opponent's sword or plunge his knife into his own throat.

Over time, such fights began to bother the Romans and they began to invent new spectacles. Gladiators had to fight lions, tigers and other wild animals.

Much effort was made to put an end to these terrible performances, but this was not done until 500 AD. Emperor Theo-Doric.

Types of gladiators

Andabat. They were dressed in chain mail, like the eastern cavalry (cataphracts), and helmets with visors without slits for the eyes. Andabats fought each other in much the same way as knights in medieval times. jousting tournaments but without being able to see each other.
Bestiary. Armed with a dart or dagger, these fighters were originally not gladiators, but criminals (noxia), sentenced to fight with predatory animals, with a high probability of death of the sentenced. Later, bestiaries became well-trained gladiators, specializing in combat with various exotic predators using darts. The fights were organized in such a way that the beasts had little chance of defeating the bestiary.
Bustuary. These gladiators fought in honor of the deceased at ritual games during the funeral rite.
Dimacher( from the Greek di - "two" and machaer - "sword") . Two swords were used, one in each hand. They fought without a helmet and shield, with two daggers. They were dressed in a short soft tunic, their arms and legs were bandaged with tight bandages, sometimes they wore leggings.
Equity( pl. equites, from lat. equus - "horse") . In the early descriptions, these lightly armed gladiators were dressed in scaly armor, wore a medium-sized round cavalry shield (parma equestris), a helmet with a brim, without a crest, but with two decorative tassels. In Imperial times, they wore a forearm armor (manica) on their right arm, a sleeveless tunic (which distinguished them from other bare-chested gladiators), and a belt. Equites started the fight on horseback, but after they threw their spear (hasta), they dismounted and continued to fight with a short sword (gladius). Equits usually only fought other Equits.
Gaul. They were equipped with a spear, a helmet and a small Gallic shield.
Essedarius ("chariot fighter", from the Latin name for the Celtic chariot - "esseda"). Perhaps they were first brought to Rome by Julius Caesar from Britain. Essedaria are mentioned in many descriptions from the 1st century AD. e. Since there are no images of the Essedarii, nothing is known about their weapons and fighting style.
Hoplomachus (from the Greek "οπλομ?χος" - "armed fighter"). They were dressed in quilted, trouser-like clothing for legs, possibly made of canvas, loincloth, belt, greaves, forearm armor (maniku) on the right arm, and a brimmed helmet with a stylized griffin on the crest, which could be decorated with a tassel of feathers at the top and single feathers on each side. They were armed with a gladius and a very small round shield made from a single sheet of thick bronze (examples from Popmpeii have been preserved). They were put up for fights against the Mirmillons or the Thracians. It is possible that the Goplomakhs descended from the earlier Samnites after it became “politically incorrect” to use the name of a people who had become friendly to the Romans.
Lakveary ("fighter with a lasso"). Lakvearii could be a type of retiarii that tried to catch their rivals with a lasso (laqueus) instead of a net.
Murmillon( from the Greek mormylos - "sea fish") . They wore a helmet with a stylized fish on the crest (from the Latin "mormylos" - "sea fish"), as well as armor for the forearm (maniku), a loincloth and belt, leggings on right leg, thick windings covering the top of the foot, and very short armor with a recess for stuffing at the top of the foot. Murmillons were armed with a gladius (40-50 cm long) and a large rectangular shield, like legionnaires. They were put up for battle against the Thracians, Retiarii, sometimes also against the hoplomachi.
PEGNARY. They used a whip, a club and a shield, which was attached to the left hand with straps.
Provocateur ("applicant"). Their outfit could be different, depending on the nature of the games. They were depicted wearing a loincloth, a belt, a long greave on the left leg, a maniku on the right arm, and a helmet with a visor, without brim and crest, but with feathers on each side. They were the only gladiators protected by a cuirass (cardiophylax), which was at first rectangular, then often rounded. The provocateurs were armed with a gladius and a large rectangular shield. Exhibited for battles with the Samnites or other provocateurs.
Retiarius ("fighter with a net"). Appeared at the dawn of the Empire. They were armed with a trident, a dagger and a net. Except for a loincloth supported by a wide belt (balteus) and a large armor on the left shoulder joint, the retiarius did not have any clothes, including a helmet. Sometimes a metal shield (galerus) was used to protect the neck and lower face. There were retiarii who played female roles in the arena (“retiarius tunicatus”), which differed from ordinary retiarii in that they were dressed in a tunic. The retiarii usually fought with the secutors, but sometimes with the myrmillons.
Rudiarium. Gladiators who deserved to be released (rewarded with a wooden sword called a rudis) but chose to remain gladiators. Not all rudiarii continued to fight in the arena, there was a special hierarchy among them: they could be trainers, assistants, judges, fighters, etc. Rudiarii fighters were very popular among the public, as they had vast experience and one could expect real show.
Sagittarius( from lat. sagitta - "arrow") . Mounted archers armed with a flexible bow capable of launching an arrow over a long distance.
Samnite. The Samnites, an ancient type of heavily armed fighters that disappeared in the early imperial period, pointed to the origin of gladiatorial combat by their name. The historical Samnites were an influential group of Italic tribes living in the Campania region south of Rome, against whom the Romans fought wars from 326 to 291 BC. e. The equipment of the Samnites was a large rectangular shield (scutum), a feathered helmet, a short sword, and possibly a greave on the left leg.
Secutor( O t lat. sequi - "to pursue") . This type of fighters was specially intended for fights with retiarii. The secutors were a variation of the myrmillons and were equipped with similar armor and weapons, including a large rectangular shield and a gladius. Their helmet, however, covered the entire face, except for two holes for the eyes, in order to protect the face from the sharp trident of their rival. The helmet was practically round and smooth, so that the net of the retiarius could not catch on it.
Skissor ("one who cuts"). Nothing is known about this type of gladiator other than the name.
Tertiary (also called "Suppositicius" - "replacing"). Some competitions involved three gladiators. First, the first two fought each other, then the winner of this fight fought with the third, who was called the tertiary. Tertiarii also came to replace if the gladiator declared for the fight, for one reason or another, could not enter the arena.
Thracian( lat. thraex - a representative of the people of Thrace) . The Thracians were equipped with the same armor as the goplomakhs. They had grand slam, covering the entire head and decorated with a stylized griffin on the forehead or on the front of the crest (the griffin was a symbol of the goddess of retribution Nemesis), a small round or flattened shield (parmula), and two large greaves. Their weapon was a Thracian curved sword (sicca, about 34 cm long). They usually fought the Myrmillons or the Hoplomaches.
Velit( pl. velites, from lat. velum - "canvas", because dressed in a linen tunic) . Foot gladiators armed with a dart with a throwing cord tied to it. Named after units of the early Republican army.
Venator. They specialized in demonstrative hunting for animals, not fighting them in close combat, like bestiaries. Venators also performed tricks with animals: they put their hand in the mouth of a lion; rode on a camel, keeping a lion on a leash nearby; made an elephant walk on a tightrope). Strictly speaking, the venators were not gladiators, but their performances were part of the gladiator fights.
Pregenary. They performed at the beginning of the competition to "warm up" the crowd. They used wooden swords (rudis) and wrapped cloth around the body. Their fights took place to the accompaniment of cymbals, pipes and water organs (hydraulis).

ancient rome gladiator was a professional fighter who specialized in a particular weapon and fought in front of an audience in large, purpose-built arenas. Such arenas were built throughout the Roman Empire.

Gladiator fights originated in 105 BC. e. and had the status of official competitions until 404 AD. e. Fights continued, as a rule, until the death of one of the gladiators. That is why the life expectancy of such fighters was short. And although it was considered prestigious to be a gladiator, most of the fighters were slaves, freed slaves or condemned. Without a doubt, gladiatorial combat was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in ancient Rome.

The Romans believed in many ways in the signs and traditions of their Italian ancestors, the Etruscans. For example, animal sacrifices were used to predict the future, symbolic fascias were used, and gladiator fights were organized. The Etruscans associated competitions of this kind with death rites, so gladiator fights had a certain religious significance for them. Although, the first private gladiatorial competitions took place in 264 BC. e. and organized in memory of the death of his father, later this reason was not taken into account for the organization of official fights. However, traces of religious origin were left by the tradition of finishing off defeated gladiators. In this case, the assistant had to strike the injured gladiator in the forehead. The assistant on duty had to wear a costume representing the costume of the god Hermes, who accompanied the souls to the afterlife or "Charun". The presence of God's messenger and the emperor, accompanied by priests and vestals, showed a kind of pseudo-religious trend in the battles.

Roman gladiator fights provided an opportunity for emperors and wealthy aristocrats to demonstrate their wealth to the population. Fights were organized in honor of military victories, visits of important officials, in honor of birthday celebrations, or simply to distract people from economic and political problems. In the eyes of the public, it was something like entertainment, which literally became a matter of life and death. These hugely popular events took place in all the mass arenas of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) was the largest of them. From 30 to 50 thousand spectators from all walks of Roman society flocked here for entertainment with bloody spectacles, where wild and exotic animals were hunted, prisoners were executed, religious martyrs were thrown into cages with lions, star shows were arranged, which were symbols of Roman virtue, honor and courage.

They used all their fighting skills, fighting under the motto "kill or be killed." A popular misconception is that the gladiators greeted their emperor at the beginning of each battle with the lines: “Long live the emperor! We, going to death, salute you! However, in reality, these words were spoken in honor of prisoners and those killed in initiated naval battles (Naumachia), which also took place in closed arenas on special occasions.

Most often slaves were gladiators or criminals, also many prisoners of war were forced to perform in the arenas. There were cases when, due to bankruptcy, aristocrats had to earn a living with a sword, for example, Simpronius (Sempronius), a descendant of the powerful Gracchi clan. It should be noted that before the adoption of the law Septimius Severus (Septimius Severus) in 200 AD. BC, women were allowed to fight as gladiators.

Throughout the empire, special gladiatorial schools. There were three such barracks in Rome itself. Capua is one of the barracks, which was especially famous for its gladiators. Throughout the Empire of Peril, agents searched for potential gladiators to meet the ever-increasing demand and fill the schools that were supposed to have a huge turnover of fighters. The conditions in the schools were like a prison - small cages and shackles, however, the food was better (for example, sprouted barley), and the students got the opportunity to receive better medical care, as it was an expensive investment for the school.

The winners of gladiatorial battles became the favorites of the crowd and were especially popular among women.

The term " Gladiator" comes from the Latin gladiators, after the name of their main weapon, the gladius or short sword. However, there was a wide range of other weapons used in gladiatorial combat. Also, gladiators wore armor and helmets, which, in particular, were examples of great craftsmanship, were richly decorated with decorative ornaments, and crests were decorated with ostrich and peacock feathers. The type of weapons and armor depended on which species the gladiator belonged to.

Types of gladiators

In ancient Rome, there were four main types of gladiators:

view Samnite, was named after the great Samnite warriors who fought for Rome in the early years of the empire. Interestingly, the Romans used the words "gladiator" and "samnite" as synonyms. One of the best weapons of the Samnite was a sword or spear, a large square shield, and protective armor on the right arm and left leg;
Thracian gladiator(Thracian) had a short curved sword (sika) and a very small square or round shield (parma), which was substituted to deflect the blows of the enemy;
gladiator Murmillo, also known as "Fishman", was equipped in the form of a fish - a crest was installed on the helmet. Like the Samnite, he had a short sword and shield, but of the armor there were only linings on the arm and leg;
at gladiator retiarius there was no helmet, no armor, except for padded shoulder pads. He had a net and a trident as weapons. He tried to confuse his opponent with a net, and then struck with his trident.

Gladiators fought in certain combinations. As a rule, pairs were selected for contrast, which consisted of a slow and well-protected gladiator (Murmillon) against a fast and less protected gladiator (Retiarius).

Other less common types of gladiators were also known with different combinations of weapons and armor, the names of which changed over time. For example, "Samnite" and "Gall" became politically incorrect when these countries became allies. Other types of gladiators included archers, boxers, and bestiaries (armed with a javelin or dagger) who fought wild animals.

Those who lacked the courage to fight were forced to fight using leather whips and red-hot metal rods. However, under the indignant roar of the crowd (from 40 thousand spectators) and the ruthless attack of their opponent, many fought to the end. There were cases of refusal to fight. One of the most famous cases was a gladiatorial duel organized by Quintus Aurelius Symmachus in 401 AD. when the Germanic prisoners who were supposed to fight at the games hanged themselves in their cells instead, thus leaving the Roman population without a spectacle.

If the losing gladiator was not killed on the spot, then he applied for pardon by lowering his weapon and shield and raising his finger. The enemy could be lenient, although there was then a risk of a second meeting in the arena, but this was considered good professional practice. If the emperor was present at the battles, then he made the decision, although the crowd tried to influence his judgments, waving rags and hand gestures - they raised their finger up and shouted “mitte!”, Which meant “let him go”; thumbs down and shouted "iugula!" which meant "execute him".

Winners of fights, especially multiple ones, became the favorites of the crowd and images were created in honor of them on Roman buildings, and they were also popular among the female half of the population of Ancient Rome.

The Pompeii graffiti provides a unique insight into the extent to which gladiators have been accepted by the public. They show gladiators and their number of victories, for example Severu 55. However, the average number of victories was much lower. Sometimes fights were held, when the winners of one fight fought the winners of others, until only one remained alive. The winners were awarded tangible prizes, which included the prestigious victory palm and a silver platter of cash. After many years of victories, the gladiator was granted freedom.

Perhaps one of the most famous gladiators was Spartacus, who led the uprising of gladiators and slaves in 73 BC. e.

For centuries, tales of gladiatorial battles have fascinated people. And no wonder, because these fearless warriors fought for the right to live. For the most colorful presentation, powerful warriors were divided into types, and each of them was used in various battles and was armed in its own way.

Bestiaries never fought gladiators of other classes, they fought exotic animals. Especially for the battles, various dangerous animals were brought. Bestiaries were divided into two types. "Damnatio ad bestias" - given to the beasts. These included citizens of the lower class who were spoken to the execution. And this duel was more like a simple persecution by animals. The second type was called "venatio", which translates as a hunter. The hunters were armed with a club, a spear or darts, they entered the arena with an almost naked body without any armor. Also, hunters were engaged in training aggressive animals and often showed real performances to the audience, putting their hands and head into the mouth of a predator.

distinguished by cold-bloodedness and courage in any hopeless situation. They entered the arena armed only with light spears against opponents with heavy weapons. With the help of an unexpected attack and virtuoso defense, the velites showed the most colorful and striking victories, gaining the fame of cold-blooded fighters capable of the most effective actions during the brutal battles in the arena.

Powerful and brave had the glory of the elite of the world of gladiators. These formidable wars cut a man in half with one blow. They were distinguished by great pressure and endurance, often seriously wounded goplomakh - the winner, did not leave the battlefield for a long time, listening to the enthusiastic cries of the audience. Powerful hoplomakhs could fearlessly fight alone with several rivals. Goplomakhs came out armed with swords - gladiuses or heavy two-toothed axes, for protection they used massive shields. On the head they wore a large helmet, decorated with horns or feathers.

belonged to the equestrian type of gladiators, started a duel on horseback and with long spears 2 - 2.5 meters, but they always ended the battle on foot with the help of swords. In the arena, they wore a wide-brimmed helmet, as well as a medium-sized round shield made of leather. This species was considered lightly armed, since the weight of the uniform was no more than 12 kg. Equits always fought only with equites and were not put up against gladiators of other types.

fought in the arena without armor in a spectacular mask on their faces. Possessing great dexterity and speed, they inflicted many cutting and stab wounds, exhausting opponents with their inaccessibility. Armed with two thin and light swords, dimachers easily fought opponents with heavy weapons. There were cases when some dimachers released by the emperor subsequently became excellent actors.

The main distinctive ability legnarians there was a skill honed to perfection to concentrate all his strength in one key blow. These skilled fighters rarely took part in fights to the death, but performed on the lists for the sake of showing a delightful spectacle. The main weapon was a staff or a whip, but sometimes they were armed with a long whip for a deadly duel with terrible animals. With one strong and precise blow of this scourge, the Legniarius easily broke the spine of a huge beast or his rival.

armed with shields and gladius swords and always acted in pairs, against especially strong opponents. On the head were worn conspicuous helmets, decorated with delightful crests with bright stripes. The crests helped the fighters not to lose sight of each other in order to cover their comrade in time. Often, in the event of the death of his partner, another fighter committed suicide without leaving the arena. Such fidelity was considered a confirmation of strong male friendship.

Retiarii are the oldest type of gladiators. Thanks to the great combat effectiveness, these trained warriors successfully opposed the heavily armed secutors and Thracians. At first, the retiarii went to battle equipped with a dagger, trident and net, later they were allowed to wear an impressive helmet and shields to protect their necks. But it was the net and the trident that remained the invariable feature of these brave warriors. The net thrown by an experienced hand for some time entangled the opponent in heavy weapons, which, trying to get out, was an easy target for a huge trident.

armed with a huge shield and sword, dressed in heavy armor and a round-shaped helmet covering the face with two small slits for the eyes. Usually gladiators of this type were exhibited against retiarii. At the beginning of the battle, the retiarius retreated to a non-dangerous distance, and the secutor pursued him, trying not to get caught in the net and under the blow of the trident. Wearing heavy armor and weapons, these brave warriors quickly got tired.

Thracians thanks to their courage and boundless courage, they became a legend of gladiatorial battles. They went out to fight in a heavy helmet with sharpened horns, a sharp Thracian sword and a strong shield made of bronze. Such uniforms turned the fighter into a dangerous weapon against mounted and foot enemies. When the sword was lost, the Thracians instantly took off their helmet and used it as a weapon during close combat. Many eminent Thracians received the privilege of wearing a colorful staff during the exit of all gladiators before the start of battles.

Sagittaria were equestrian gladiators who skillfully wielded a bow. Swift sagittarii usually came out at the end of mass battles, killing the surviving fighters, while fighting to the death against each other. There were situations when these reckless brave men shot at the emperor's box, in anticipation of killing the ruler who took their freedom from them. Attempts always ended in failure, but the memory of these exceptional feats gave hope to the gladiators and one day resulted in the glorified uprising of Spartacus.

were the most dangerous gladiators - loners of Rome, with their special sharpened shields and gladiuses, they inflicted cutting wounds on their rivals. Perfect possession of any melee weapon, as well as a good physical training allowed warriors to strike at their rivals in any position. The Sixsors also fought with horse gladiators, they hit the horse and killed with the gladius the riders who were knocked down by their own horse.

came out for a duel only against provocateurs. They themselves could challenge an opponent in order to strengthen their position by defeating a more popular opponent, or to settle conflicts between two gladiatorial schools that competed with each other. Provocateurs armed themselves in the clothes of Roman legionnaires, wore a rectangular shield, cuirass and helmet.

Samnites like retiarii were an early form of gladiators. They were prisoners of war from the region of Samnium. Roman soldiers, having defeated the Samnites, forced them to participate in amusing battles, which later turned into gladiatorial battles. The Samnites dressed in military uniform and fought with the help of a sword and a rectangular shield. Their enemies were captured soldiers from the territories defeated by Rome. Later, when Samnium became a province of the Roman Empire, the Samnites ceased to be classified as a separate species and were attached to the Hoplomaches and Murmillons, who fought with similar weapons.

they hardly put on armor and went out to fight with a bare torso and without using a helmet, so that it could be seen that a woman was fighting. They were armed with light swords and small shields. Fights involving female gladiators were rare, and were accepted by the public as a novelty. Women competed with each other and, on rare occasions, with dwarfs, which shocked the crowd. Women's gladiator fights were always accompanied by scandals and were soon banned.

Naumachians considered the gladiatorial elite and took part in sea battles. Due to the fact that not all arenas could be filled with water, such performances were very rare. The naumacharii emerged armed with heavy spears, short swords, and grappling hooks. In battles on the water, various historical battles were usually reconstructed, but the outcome of the battle did not always correspond to reality.

Rudiaria there were the most experienced warriors who deserved freedom for their merits, but decided to remain in the gladiatorial craft. As a symbol of freedom, they received a wooden sword. Rudiarii could become trainers, judges, or remain fighters. The audience adored them, so every appearance of the rudiarium promised a real show.

Pregenaries came out before the start of the competition to warm up the crowd. They fought with wooden swords without any armor.

Tertiarii- exhibited to replace the previously declared gladiator, in cases where he could not come out. Also sometimes there were three gladiators in the arena. The first two fought against each other, and the third fought with the winner.

All these fearless wars certainly deserve respect and the legends about them will not die for a long time.