This helmet was found in the storage room at the gymnasium in Pompeii among other pieces of armor. This type of helmet would have been worn by a murmillo, or a type of gladiator identified by their distinctive helmets, a shield, and sword. The name…

This helmet was found in the storage room at the gymnasium in Pompeii among other pieces of armor. This type of helmet would have been worn by a murmillo, or a type of gladiator identified by their distinctive helmets, a shield, and sword. The name…

This fragmented relief depicts gladiators prepared for combat. In Rome, gladiators used specific armor and weapons depending on their training. In this relief the figure on the left is a murmillo distinguished by his helmet. He likely has fallen to…

This relief fragment commemorates the victories of a gladiator. It dates from the 3rd century CE, and it was found along the Via Appia The victorious gladiator is depicted conquering a retiarii, a type of gladiator who fought with a net and trident. …

The barracks for the gladiators were quadrangular portico located behind the stage of the Large which was originally designed as a space for the audience to stroll in during the intervals of the theatre shows. After the earthquake of 62 CE, the…

These are two examples of graffitti left on the wall of a house. They date to the second half of the 2nd century CE. We cannot say for sure but they are either secutors or murmillos. However, we know that their helmets covered their faces to protect…

Graffito was a common site in Pompeii. This particular example depicts a gladiator, likely a murmillo, with his distinctive helmet and oblong shield. The anonymous artist was careful to create the details on his loincloth and greaves.

This terracotta jar has a fragment of a medallion featuring a charioteer on a quadriga. There is an inscription on the right that may identify the charioteer. He holds a palm branch in one of his hands, while the other half of his torso is lost,…

The Large Theatre was a huge 5000-seat theatre built in the Greek type and carved into the natural slope of the hill. During the reign of Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE), the theatre was significantly restored and enlarged according to the Roman style.…

The Ludus Magnus was one of the four training grounds for Roman gladiators in Rome. It was built by the emperor Domitian (81-96 CE) east of the Colosseum.