GLAD-0708D
John Jenkins Designs
Not yet released - expected in mid-August.
"HAIL, EMPEROR, THOSE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE SALUTE YOU."
Gladiators were armed combatants who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals and condemned criminals. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their lives and their legal and social standing by appearing in the arena, but most were despised as slaves, schooled under harsh conditions, socially marginalized and even segregated even in death.
Irrespective of their origin, gladiators offered spectators an example of Rome’s martial ethics and in fighting or dying well, they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim. They were celebrated in high and low art, and their value as entertainers was commemorated in precious and commonplace objects throughout the Roman world.
The myrmillo, also spelled murmillo, or mirmillones, was a gladiator developed to replace the earlier Gallic type gladiators , which were named after the warriors of Gaul. The name Myrmillo originated with the Greek word “mormyrus” which was a type of fish. The myrmillo gladiators often wore a Gallic helmet incorporating fish imagery.
The Thracian or Thraex was a gladiator armed in the Thracian style.
The Thracian was instantly recognizable from the representation of a griffin on the peak of the crest on the helmet, and their smaller cut down version of the traditional legionary scutum shield known as a parmula. This small shield could be rectangular, square or circular.
A sica, which was a short sword with a curved blade, similar to a small version of a Dacian Falx. This weapon was intended to maim an opponent’s unarmoured back.
The Myrmillo carried the large imperial Scutum and a normal infantry Gladius. His equipment differed only slightly from the that of the Thracian who they were normally paired against. The Myrmillo also fought the Hoplomachus, who once again shared similar equipment, notably arm guards, an all enclosing helmet, and the dangerous short sword.
The myrmillo’s fighting style was suited for men with strong arms and shoulders due to having to carry the weight of the shield, sword and heavy helmet.
As a result, myrmillones were usually tall and muscular. He depended on his strength and endurance to survive the battle against foes who were more suited to attacking. The large shield gave the myrmillo an edge in defence, and the gladius enabled him to thrust and swing at his enemies when in close range. They were also trained to kick their enemies with the thick padding worn around their legs.