Types of Gladiators

The Murmillo Originally known as the Gallus, which depicted the fighting style of the Celts or Gaul. Originally known as the Gallus, which depicted the fighting style of the Celts or Gaul. Later becomes a broad category of gladiators that fought with a short sword, large rectangular shield (the scutum), crested broad rimmed helmet. Later becomes a broad category of gladiators that fought with a short sword, large rectangular shield (the scutum), crested broad rimmed helmet.

The Secutor A type or Murmillo specifically developed to fight the Retarius. A type or Murmillo specifically developed to fight the Retarius. The only significant difference was that the helmet was completely covered except for two small eye holes in order to protect the gladiator from the Retarius’ trident. The only significant difference was that the helmet was completely covered except for two small eye holes in order to protect the gladiator from the Retarius’ trident.

The Retarius Considered the lowest rank of gladiator for their “effeminate” fighting style. Considered the lowest rank of gladiator for their “effeminate” fighting style. These gladiators were lightly armored and were renowned for their agility. These gladiators were lightly armored and were renowned for their agility. The were armed with a trident and net. The were armed with a trident and net.

Thraex These gladiators emulated the Thracian fighting style. These gladiators emulated the Thracian fighting style. They were equipped with a stylized plumed broad rimmed helm, small shield, greaves, and the signature curved blade. They were equipped with a stylized plumed broad rimmed helm, small shield, greaves, and the signature curved blade. Often set against the Murmillo in gladiatorial games. Often set against the Murmillo in gladiatorial games.

Hoplomachus Gladiator based upon the Greek Hoplite. Gladiator based upon the Greek Hoplite. Adorned with a broad helmet, small round shield, a short sword, and the signature spear. Adorned with a broad helmet, small round shield, a short sword, and the signature spear. Often faced the Murmillo in competition. Often faced the Murmillo in competition.

Samnite Based upon a fierce Italian tribes from the Campanian region. Based upon a fierce Italian tribes from the Campanian region. Early gladiator armed with a large rectangular shield, a greave on the left leg, plumed helmet, and short sword. Early gladiator armed with a large rectangular shield, a greave on the left leg, plumed helmet, and short sword. Disappear in the early Imperial Period Disappear in the early Imperial Period