Transcript March 7-11: Gladiator Project (see Mrs. S. for handouts)

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”)
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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.
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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…
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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?