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GLADIATORS
By Spencer Beaton, Keelan McDougal, Mitch Kehn, and Steven
Oliveira
ORIGINS
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Gladiators were male criminals or prisoner of war who were enslaved
by the Romans as fearsome warriors who fought to the death in the
arena
Began as funeral rituals in Italy but by the second century BC the
games became public displays often organized by politicians looking
for votes
First fight in 264 BC when both sons of Iunius Brutus Pera arranged
three pairs of gladiators to fight to the death at his funeral in the
Forum Boarium
The fight did not take place at his grave but for his honour after his
burial – belief was to ensure a satisfactory entrance into the afterlife
by human sacrifice
The games gained popularity by being held in public space. This
allowed for the aristocrats to obtain political prestige to their family’s
name
MUNUS TO LUDUS
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Munus – a funeral ritual or sacrificial ceremony where the duty was
paid to a dead ancestor by his descendent with intent on keeping his
memory alive
Aristocrats copied this idea and began holding munera more
frequently (annually, or every five years)
With more games came more gladiators and with more gladiators the
games became bigger (22 pairs, 74 pairs, 320 pairs for Julius
Caesar's father’s funeral 20 years after his death)
During the period of the Republic a wealthy and ambitious politician
would 'buy' the votes of people, and increase the standing of his
family, by sponsoring games.
This competition made the games less connected to funerals and
eventually became mostly a political sport for votes from the Senate
Ludi – games held by authorities; for political pandering and/or
public entertainment (included horse racing, drama, and hunting)
TERMS TO KNOW
Novicius – New gladiatores in training
 Tiro (tirones) – trained gladiators who would
fight in the ring
 Doctores – trainers, often retired gladiators
 Medici – doctors
 Lanista – owner of gladiatorial school
 Editor – the “referee” who would decide a
gladiators fate
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NEED MORE FIGHTERS?
A Medici (doctor) would judge a mans fighting
ability
 Physically fit prisoners of war would be used as
gladiators
 These prisoners would be purchased by
lanistae to be trained in their schools, called a
ludus
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INITIAL TRAINING
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Novicius were trained at ludi, using drills and
rigorous workout routines
 Used
heavy blocks of wood, dummies, and ropes
Main goal: reach the apex of physical fitness
 Once fitness was accomplished, a doctores
would judge the gladiators body type
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 Gladiators
would then be sent to specialized
secondary training depending on the doctores
decision
NOVICIUS
New gladiators were referred to as novicius,
and were treated with no respect
 They would be chained in their cells as long as
they weren’t training.
 Food was consumed shackled, and they were
not permitted to speak
 Veterani would often bully them and openly
mock them every opportunity
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 Form
of initiation
SPECIALIZATION
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After a type was decided, gladiators would undergo
different exercises and lessons depending on their class
A light armor gladiator, such as a retiarii, would be
trained for agility and speed using mainly obstacle
courses
Heavy armor gladiators would train with weights for
endurance.
Both would duel relentlessly
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Training comparable to Spartan Agora
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TIRO
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A gladiator who was prepared for their first fight in
the arena
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Their faces, hands and/or legs would be tattooed,
to make escape and hiding difficult
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A form of branding
After their first victory, a man would be dubbed a
veterani
SACRAMENTUM GLADIATORUM
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Meant the gladiator oath
This is a formal oath each gladiator was forced to verbally present to his
Lanista
"I commit my flesh, my mind, my will to the glory of this ludus and the
commands of my master. I swear to be burned, chained, beaten or die by
the sword for honour in the arena.“
They were then branded by the name of their owner and furthermore
expected to honour his name
GLADIATOR UNIONS
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Groups of gladiators would become friends
despite the fact they may have to kill each other
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They would create formal unions, called a
collegia
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These groups would behave almost like gangs
in prison
FOOD
Given 3 meals a day
 Only given water
 Composed of meat, fish, barly, grain and
vegitables
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 Aimed
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for nutrition, not taste
Veterani could purchase more flavorful goods
as their winnings allowed
HYGIENE
It was vital for gladiators to be able to put on a
good show
 Mandatory daily bath in addition to any they
may take on their own
 Given frequent massages
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 always
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before fights
Often cleaner and healthier than lower class
LEISURE
A novicius had almost no pleasures or
comforts. They were mostly prisoners or slaves.
 Upon reaching veterani status, a gladiator
could start earning money or other prizes
 Pleasures included feasts, wine, and women.
Freemen gladiators would be allowed to visit
their families, but only if they deserved to.
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HOW TO DIE
Gladiators were entertainment before all else
 The victor would hold their blade to the throat
of the defeated
 A defeated gladiator was expected to kneel and
await the editors decision.
 The defeated gladiator could hold up two
fingers to ask for mercy.
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 This
would severely damage their reputation
THE EDITOR
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Was the person in charge of running the games
Was usually an emperor, senator or some other
male high in politics
Set the rules of the fight
Only 3 ways a gladiatorial match would end:
No rules were made- The gladiators would fight it out until the
death or the crowds gets displeased
2.
The Editor could order the fight lasts until “the finger”- Where the
gladiators fight until one is forced raise his finger pleading for his
life to the Editor
3. The editor could also declare a fight until the death- Where the
two gladiators fight until one of them is dead
1.
THE EDITOR CONTINUED
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The beg for mercy- If ever a gladiator is able and raises their left
finger towards the Editor and crowd they are pleading to be
spared for another day
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The crowd then yells their decision and puts their thumbs up for life
and down for death
It comes down to the decision of the Editor and him alone as to if
the gladiator is to live or be killed
The Editor the raises his arm strait out and puts his thumb up or
down determining the fate of the gladiator
DEATH
A badly wounded, but still alive gladiator would
be ended with a hammer strike to the head by
a man dressed as Charon, ferryman of the
underworld.
 Bodies would be dragged through the doorway
porta libitinensis, named after the god of
funerals.
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DISPOSAL OF BODIES
Prisoners of war and criminals would either be
buried or thrown in a river
 Those in a collegia could have an honorable
burial, paid for by his comrades
 It is rumored that bodies would sometimes be
fed to the beasts of the games in order to
establish a familiarity with human meat.
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THE GLADIATOR WEAPONS
AND ARMOUR
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
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Gladiator weapons used in the Roman Arena did not
necessarily have to be of Roman make.
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The diversity of the different types of weapons that
Roman gladiators used reflected the various regions
that Rome conquered.
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Roman spectators enjoyed to be reminded of their
conquered neighbours.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
The Gladius:
 The Gladius is a 27 inch long straight sword
that broadens near the handle.
 The Gladius Graecus is a version of the sword
that the Greek hoplite used, the only difference
being in it’s leaf shape.
 The gladiators would pair a shield with the
Gladius such as the Secutor, Myrmillo, and
Dimacheris.
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GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
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The Spatha:
The Spatha is a long broadsword (75 cm) that Roman
cavalry used at the time.
Therefore, Roman gladiators who chose to ride on
horseback used the Spatha, in order to have enough
range to reach gladiators on foot.
The Spatha was made of a composite material of iron
and steel.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
The Pugio
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A dagger that a gladiator, specifically a Retiarius, wielded along with
his trident and fishermen’s net.
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The last resort weapon that gladiators relied upon if all other
weapons are lost or broken.
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It’s origins, like most gladiatorial weapons, are traced back to the
Roman army.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
The Pilum or the
Javelin
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The pilum is a heavy long
throwing spear that the Roman
military used frequently.
The javelin is two meters long,
with a pyramidal shaped head.
Range of 50 feet, weighing 3 lbs,
made of iron and wood.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
The Arcus and Sagitta
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The bow and arrow was used by the Sagittarius gladiators who were
mounted bowmen.
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The Sagittarian bow was a short curved bow of Parthian origins that could
produce a draw weight of 160 lbs. (approx.) The bow was made of wood,
horn, sinew, and held together with hide glue.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
The Retiarius Combo: The Iaculum
& Tridens (trident)
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The iconic combination of a net and trident
wielded by the Retiarius gladiator is an
effective tactic that can immobilize an
opponent with ease.
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The Iaculum is a weighted net that could rid an
opponent of their weapon or be thrown over the
opponent to disorient them in order to come in
with a stab from the three pronged trident.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
The Sica
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The Sica is a 16-18 inches long
dagger that Thracian gladiators
and the Dimachaerus used.
The blade is curved,
resembling a a scimitar.
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This is the most common
Dacian sword/dagger that was
used in the gladiator arenas.
GLADIATOR WEAPONRY
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Hasta
The Hasta is a six foot long,
heavy spear that gladiators
used a a thrusting weapon.
The spearhead was made of
bronze, with a triangular
shape. The hasta also
featured a cross-piece that
would prevent the weapon
from piercing too deep.
GLADIATOR ARMOURY
The Myrmillo Helmet
& The Thraex
Helmet:
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A bronze helmet that the
myrmillo would wear.
3-5 Kg in weight.
1-3 mm thick bronze sheet
metal.
Visor grating 1.8 mm.
Helmet edges lined with metal
strips, making it 3-4 times
thicker.
GLADIATOR ARMOURY
Scutum Shield
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A rectangular shield that the Roman legion
used as well as the Roman gladiators such as;
Myrmillos, essedariis, etc.
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The reason for it’s rectangular shape with
curved edges is that it allows for total
protection from the front and both sides.
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*The Gladius sword would be paired with this*
GLADIATOR ARMOURY
The Parmula Shield
The small, light
shield made of steel
with a brass finish.
 Diameter of 23”
 Weight of 4 lbs.
 Primarily wielded by
the Thraex,
Hoplomachus, and
the Eques.
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GLADIATOR ARMOURY
The Manica: An armguard that the Roman
military used frequently. This would be often
be made of iron, making it a stiff arm
protector. For more flexibility some manicas
would be made of layered leather.
 The Myrmillo, Thraex, and Eques would wear
these armguards.
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GLADIATOR ARMOURY
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The Cardiophylax:
The demi-breastplate that was
made of brass or iron. Worn by
Provocators, and was also called
the pectorale.
The Galerus
The only source of protection
from attacks for the Retiarius.
A tall shoulder guard made of
bronze, that weighed 2 lbs
(approx.)
TYPES OF GLADIATORS
RUDIARIUS
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A gladiator who had been granted freedom by distinguishing himself
in a particular fight or, at some point during Roman history, won five
fights
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It was up to the spectators to decide if the slave was granted
freedom or not and then authorized by the Munerarius (Editor)
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Ceremony where the Editor would present the gladiator with a rudis
(a wooden sword – the symbol of freedom) at the centre of the arena
and then he would walk out a free man – a Rudiarius
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He could retired and keep his proceeds, work as a bodyguard, work in
the gladiator school training new gladiators, work in the arena as an
arbiter or referee, or work as an elite and well paid Rudiarius
gladiator and continue to receive fame and glory from the fans
ARBELAS
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Greek word Arbelos shoemaker tool/weapon
Equiped w/helmet, scale
armour or mail, greaves on
shins and a manica
Allowed to fight other
Arbelas and even Retiaruses
Crescent-shaped blade at
the end of the forearm
covering the left hand –
defence against nets,
tridents
Dagger/straight blade in left
hand
DIMACHAERUS
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Based on inconclusive
evidence scholars believe it
to just be a name given to a
gladiator who was capable
of using one hand or the
other alternately
Equipped w/ broad helmet,
greaves, mail armour
Fought with two swords or
daggers (at least one of the
blades would be curved)
Fought others of the same
kind in the arena
RETIARIUS
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Most easily identifiable
No shield, no helmet, and no greaves
Equipped w/ manica on his left arm
(instead of the right)
Signature feature are their galerus –
metal shoulder guard
Three weapons; fuscina (trident),
iaculum (net), and pugio (dagger)
Fought against Secutors – considered
one of the most enjoyed and popular
gladiator fights
Before Secutors they fought Myrmillo
or an Arbelas
Sometimes fought two Secutors on a
platform
Least prestigious type of gladiator
7 – 8 kg of armour – lightest armed
EQUES
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Entered combat on
horseback w/ a spear
Equipped w/ broadbrimmed helmet,
manica on the right
arm, gaitors and leg
wrappings
Uses hasta spear while
mounted and a gladius
sword while not
10 – 12 kg of armour
GALLUS
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Appeared in early Republic period
Resembles the Celts (Gauls)
Equipped w/large scutum, helmet, a sword, and a
greave – similar to a Myrmillo
Assumed to be the same thing
THRAEX
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Appeared in the 1st century B.C.
when many Thracians were
taken prisoner during the
Mithridatic Wars
Equipped w/ manica, quilted leg
wraps, two high greaves, and a
brimmed helmet – easily
confused with Hoplomachus
Fought against Myrmillos and
sometimes Hoplomachus
Parmula 55 x 60 cm shield
shield (almost square) and a
sica dagger
HOPLOMACHUS
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Weapons and armour are
similar to Greek Hoplite, hence
their name
Thus they represent a classic
heavily armed Greek warrior in
the gladiatorial arena
Equipped w/ broad brimmed
helmet (with a crest and feather
on the side), high greaves (wore
trousers underneath), a manica,
and a small round shield
Armed w/ a spear and a
dagger/short sword
17 – 18 kgs of armour
PROVOCATOR
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Appeared during the late Republic
and lasted through the Imperial era
Argued to be prisoners of war
sentenced to capital punishment who
could obtain mercy in the arena by
winning the love of the crowd
Equipped w/ loin cloth, balteus,
manica, knee-high greave on the left
leg, cardiophylax (metal breast plate)
– signature armour, and a helmet (got
bigger with time) with two feathers
Large rectangular shield (early shields
were oval) and a straight-bladed
sword
Only fought other Provocators and
had armour with a mass of 14 –
15kgs making him a medium armour
gladiator
SAMNIS
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All info is within the Republic
period (first reference dates from
308 BC – when they were the
most popular gladiators)
Came from the Samnite tribe
when they were defeated by the
Romans in the 3rd century BC
Equipped w/ helmet
(w/feathers), a greave on the left
leg, a scutum (later a parmula)
and 3-disc armour
Armed w/ a spear and a gladius
Fought against Retiariuses
SECUTORS
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AKA Contraretiarius – specific
combat with a Retiarius
Equipped w/ smooth surfaced,
streamlined-shaped helmet
with a fin-like crest (rep. fish)
and small eye holes in the
visor (at most 3cm in diameter
to prevent trident impact), a
scutum, a greave on his left
leg, a manica
Armed w/ a gladius sword
Close combat, less mobile
Helmet restricts sight, hearing
and fresh air thus these
gladiators got tired faster
MYRMILLO
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Possibility that this gladiator is a
rename of the Gallus
Appeared about mid-1st century BC
Equipped w/ a helmet, manica on left
arm, greave on left leg over
wrappings, gaitors on his right leg,
and a scutum (first oval then
rectangular)
Armed w/ a straight and broad blade
about 40 – 55 cm long gladius
infantry sword which was tied to his
hand
Never paired together – usually with a
gladiator who carried a smaller shield
(a Thaex or an Hoplomachus)
16 – 18 kgs armour
ANDABATA
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Any type of gladiator who fought
absent of sight. Their helmet or a
blind fold would restrict them from
their sense of vision. Andabata
only fought against each other.
PAEGNIARIUS
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Pure entertainment
gladiators who parodied
serious combats
They used wooden
sticks/swords and whips and
had no armour or shield, only
wrappings on his legs and
head.
These duels would take
place during breaks or in
between gladiator fights
WHAT TYPE OF GLADIATOR?!
!!!ROUND 1!!!
Left Side
 A) Thraex
 B) Arbelas
 C) Retiarius
Right Side
 A) Arbelas
 B) Bestiarii
 C) Hoplomachus
ROUND 2!!
Left Side
 A) Hoplomachus
 B) Provocator
 C) Thraex
ROUND 3.5
Left Side
 A) Provocator
 B) Thraex
 C) Dimachaerus
Right Side
 A) Myrmillo
 B) Thraex
 C) Eques
ROUND 4!!
Left Side
 A) Dimachaerus
 B) Arbelas
 C) Secutor
Right Side
 A) Retiarius
 B) Myrmillo
 C) Arbelas
FAMOUR GLADIATORS
SPARTACUS
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Most famous gladiator in history
Was a Thracian Soldier, captured and sold
into slavery
Lentulus Batiatus, a lanista in the ancient
city of Capua purchased Spartacus intending
to train him in his ludus or gladiatorial school
He was one of the slave leaders in the Third Servile War/gladiatorial
war/War of Spartacus which was the last of many slave rebellions
against the Roman Republic – (Third Servile War lead by Spartacus
and Gallic slaves Crixus and Oenomaus)
Third Servile War is the only war which directly threatened the
mainland of Rome
Escaped with kitchen knives but soon acquired proper weapons and
armour
Between 73-71 BC roughly 70 slaves managed to escape captivity
from Lentulus Batiatus out of the roughly 200 captive
SPARTACUS CONTINUED
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They then began their travel to Mount Vesuvius for a defensive
position, recruiting and freeing slaves along the way
Rome first dispatched Gaius Claudius Glaber who was defeated
by Spartacus
Many of the escaped slaves who have joined the rebellion got
formal training by Spartacus and Crixus
The senate then turned to Marcus Licinius Crassus who did
eventually defeat Spartacus ending the rebellion with roughly 4050 000 men
The final battle of Spartacus was fought at High Sele Valley where
6000 of the rebels were captured and crucified
CRIXUS
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Was a Gallic gladiator who assisted Spartacus in the Third Servile War
Crixus means “one with curly hair”
One of the main leaders of the slave rebellion
Fought with the Allobroges (a Gallic tribe of ancient
Gaul) against the Romans when he was captured
Trained in a lutus among Spartacus to fight for
entertainment in the arena
During the slave rebellion Spartacus and Crixus
attacked and terrorized the Roman forces
Towards the end Crixus left Spartacus with many of
the slave rebels to plunder and pillage southern Italy
Crixus and his rebels met Lucius Gellius forces near
Mount Garganus where they were defeated in 72 BC
FLAMMA
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Was a Syrian slave
Fought 34 times in the arena and
won 21 of them
Ended 4 battles in a draw and
lost only 4 battles, where he was
given the thumbs up to live
Was one of few gladiators to be
granted the rudis a small stick; a
wooden sword given to gladiators on
their discharge
Flamma refused the rudis four times
and continues to fight in the arena
He married and grew old dying at the age of 30
MODERN GLADIATORS?
GLADIATORS VS. UFC
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UFC fighters are the modern day gladiators
- Both are human fighters meant for money and entertainment
- Both train hours on end daily
- Both are in perfect physical form
- Both have extremely healthy diets
- Both divided into separate fighting categories
GLADIATORS VS. UFC
- Both had some type of rules/referee
- Both in an enclosed circular area
- Both strived to put on a show for the attendance
- Both practiced hand to hand combat
SPENCER’S SOURCES
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http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/spartacus.html
http://listverse.com/2013/04/02/10-famousgladiators-from-ancient-rome/
Flamma http://wordinfo.info/unit/4113/ip:5/il:R
UFC
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/30004-romangladiator-games-the-origins-of-mma-part-two
MITCH’S SOURCES
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http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclop
aedia_romana/gladiators/retiarius.html

http://www.romancolosseum.info/gladiators/gladiatorweapons.htm

www.romanarmy.net%2Fmanica.shtml&h=GAQ
HIMsS8