Gladiators

1. By Spencer Beaton, Keelan McDougal, Mitch Kehn, and Steven Oliveira Gladiators

2. 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 Origins

3. 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) Munus to ludus

4. 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 Terms to know

5. 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 Need more fighters?

6. 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 • Gladiators would then be sent to specialized secondary training depending on the doctores decision Initial training

7. 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 • Form of initiation Novicius

8. 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 Training comparable to Spartan Agora Specialization

9. A gladiator who was prepared for their first fight in the arena • Their faces, hands and/or legs would be tattooed, to make escape and hiding difficult • A form of branding • After their first victory, a man would be dubbed a veterani Tiro

10. Sacramentum Gladiatorum • 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

11. Groups of gladiators would become friends despite the fact they may have to kill each other They would create formal unions, called a collegia These groups would behave almost like gangs in prison Gladiator unions

12. Given 3 meals a day • Only given water • Composed of meat, fish, barly, grain and vegitables • Aimed for nutrition, not taste • Veterani could purchase more flavorful goods as their winnings allowed Food

13. 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 • always before fights • Often cleaner and healthier than lower class Hygiene

14. 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. Leisure

15. 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. • This would severely damage their reputation How to die

16. The Editor • 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 • 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

17. The Editor Continued • 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 • 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

18. 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 portalibitinensis, named after the god of funerals. Death

19. 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. Disposal of bodies

20. The Gladiator Weapons and Armour

21. Gladiator Weaponry • Gladiator weapons used in the Roman Arena did not necessarily have to be of Roman make. • The diversity of the different types of weapons that Roman gladiators used reflected the various regions that Rome conquered. • Roman spectators enjoyed to be reminded of their conquered neighbours.

22. The Gladius: The Gladius is a 27 inch long straight sword that broadens near the handle. The GladiusGraecus 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. Gladiator Weaponry

23. 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

24. The Pugio A dagger that a gladiator, specifically a Retiarius, wielded along with his trident and fishermen’s net. The last resort weapon that gladiators relied upon if all other weapons are lost or broken. It’s origins, like most gladiatorial weapons, are traced back to the Roman army. Gladiator Weaponry

25. Gladiator Weaponry The Pilum or the Javelin • 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.

26. Gladiator Weaponry The Arcus and Sagitta • The bow and arrow was used by the Sagittarius gladiators who were mounted bowmen. • 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.

27. Gladiator Weaponry The Retiarius Combo: The Iaculum & Tridens (trident) • The iconic combination of a net and trident wielded by the Retiarius gladiator is an effective tactic that can immobilize an opponent with ease. • 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.

28. Gladiator Weaponry The Sica • The Sica is a 16-18 inches long dagger that Thracian gladiators and the Dimachaerus used. The blade is curved, resembling a a scimitar. • This is the most common Dacian sword/dagger that was used in the gladiator arenas.

29. Gladiator Weaponry 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.

30. Gladiator Armoury The Myrmillo Helmet & The Thraex Helmet: • A bronze helmetthat 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.

31. Gladiator Armoury Scutum Shield • A rectangular shield that the Roman legion used as well as the Roman gladiators such as; Myrmillos, essedariis, etc. • The reason for it’s rectangular shape with curved edges is that it allows for total protection from the front and both sides. • *The Gladius sword would be paired with this*

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. Gladiator Armoury • 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.)

35. Types of Gladiators

36. A gladiator who had been granted freedom by distinguishing himself in a particular fight or, at some point during Roman history, won five fights It was up to the spectators to decide if the slave was granted freedom or not and then authorized by the Munerarius (Editor) 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 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 Rudiarius

37. Arbelas • 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

38. Dimachaerus • 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

39. RetIarius • 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

40. Eques • Entered combat on horsebackw/ a spear • Equipped w/ broad-brimmed 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

41. 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 Gallus

42. Thraex • 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

43. hoplomachus • 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

44. Provocator • 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

45. 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 Samnis

46. Secutors • 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

47. Myrmillo • 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

48. Andabata Paegniarius • 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. • 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

49. WHAT TYPE OF GLADIATOR?!

50. !!!Round 1!!! Left Side • A) Thraex • B) Arbelas • C) Retiarius Right Side • A) Arbelas • B) Bestiarii • C) Hoplomachus