Featured Graffiti: Gladiators
See how the ancients wrote about this favorite pastime from advertisements and drawings to boasts about which gladiator was the handsomest.
VIII K(alendas) Martias
Numisii Genialis
gladiatorum paria X
Herculani
Eight days before the Kalends of March,
sponsored by Numisius Genialis
10 pairs of gladiators
(will compete) in Herculaneum.
((:duo gladiatores pugnantes))
M. Attilius t(iro) v(icit)
Hilarus Ner(onianus) XIV ) XIII
m(issus est)
(A sketch of two gladiators fighting has these labels...)
Marcus Attilius, a novice - WON!
Hilarus, gladiator from the imperial training school, with 14 wins and 13 trophies - LOST
(N.B. Hilarus was sent out of the arena (missus) defeated - but not killed.)
((:gladiator, murmillo galea et scuto armatus))
(Drawing of a murmillo type of gladiator)
Suspirium puellarum
TR
Celadus Oct(avii) III ) III
The girls' heartthrob!
The Thracian (gladiator)
Celadus, of Octavius -- 3 wins, 3 trophies