1ST CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN TERRACOTTA FIGURE OF A HOPLOMACHUS GLADIATOR
1ST CENTURY A.D.
Lunging forward, wearing brimmed helmet with high crest and visor below, carrying convex circular shield and dagger in his left hand, the right arm held out with pierced hand and bound with protective strapping (manica), wearing tall greaves and belted loin-cloth, on integral circular plinth, remains of red pigment, repaired
11¼ in. (28.6 cm.) high

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Lot Essay

For a discussion of the gladiator types, cf. R. Jackson (ed.), Gladiators and Caesars, The British Museum, London, 2000, pp. 45-63. The hoplomachus was often confused with the thraex as a result of their similar equipment. The common adversary of both these types was the murmillo.

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