Gladiators Gladiatorial shows first started as funeral rites
- Slides: 11
Gladiators • Gladiatorial shows first started as funeral rites. • They later became one of the most popular forms of entertainment. (chariot racing was the other) • First recorded gladiatorial combat: 264 BC at the funeral of Iunius Brutus.
Gladiators • Training schools: ludus (ludi) • School owners: lanista (lanistae) • Oath of the gladiator: “I will endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword” (uri, vinciri, verberari, ferroque necari)
Myrmillo (“Fish”) • Helmet with a “fish” crest • Large shield • Sword • One leg greave • Usually paired with a “Thracian”
Thraex (“Thracian”) • • Small shield Sica (curved sword) Leg greaves Large helmet with a griffin ornament (symbol of Nemesis) • Usually paired with a myrmillo or hoplomachus
Hoplomachus (“Hoplite”) • Modeled after Greek “hoplite” warrior • Helmet • Small round shield • Spear and sword • Leg greaves • Paired against a myrmillo or Thraex
Retiarius (“Net-Fighter”) • Trident, net, dagger • No helmet, but had a shoulder/arm shield • Net was weighted to swing it • Paired with secutor or myrmillo
Secutor (Chaser) • Similar to a myrmillo • Exception: the helmet had just 2 small eye holes to protect against the trident of the retiarius • Usually paired with the retiarius
Other types • Bestiarius: fought wild animals • Essedarius: fought from a chariot • Gladiatrix: female gladiator
Martial’s Poem of Verus and Priscus’ fight As Priscus and Verus each lengthened the contest, And for a long time the battle was equal on each side, Repeatedly loud shouts petitioned for the men to be released; But Caesar followed his own law; — It was the law to fight without shield until a finger was raised: — He did what was allowed, often gave lances and gifts. But an end was found to the equal division: Equals to fight, equals to yield. Caesar sent wooden swords to both and palms to both: Thus skillful courage received its prize. This took place under no prince except you, Caesar: When two fought, both were the victor.
“Interview With a Gladiator” • You will write a question-and-answer interview with a gladiator. • The answers should reflect accurate knowledge about gladiators’ lives. Use the articles to help you with details. • Rubric: the lowest score is based on answers being accurate…inaccurate answers can drop the score lower. The higher score reflects good use of details, etc. • • 6 Q&A: 60 -69 “D” 8 Q&A: 70 -79 “C” 10 Q&A: 80 -89 “B” 12 Q&A: 90 -100 “A”
Sample Questions To Get Started… • • • What is your name? How long have you been a gladiator? How did you become a gladiator? How long did you train? What style of gladiator are you? What is the best (worst) thing about being a gladiator?
