Description

Roman Gladiators

The first gladiators were slaves and prisoners of war. By the Imperial era, their ranks included very determined professional fighters and condemned criminals. They were armed with a variety of equipment. Two of the most recognizable gladiator types were the retiarius or net man, armed with a net and trident spear, and the secutor, a swordsman equipped with a straight stabbing sword, helmet, arm guard, and curved shield.