This collection of armor and weaponry, made by the company Res Bellica, provides a sample of the kinds of equipment a Roman gladiator might have used in combat.
Net and Trident
Cord, steel, wood
Modern reproduction
The fisherman retiarius was one of the most popular gladiator types across the empire. It was one of the few classes that fought without a shield—rather, retiarii used a weighted net and a long trident. The long reach of the trident allowed this type of gladiator to stay farther away from his opponent than those fighting with a dagger or sword. The net, styled after circle casting nets, was good for restricting the movement of an opponent.
Shoulder Guard
Brass, leather
Modern reproduction
Gladiators—and particularly those in the retiarius class—typically only wore one shoulder guard. The same was true for other protective equipment such as metal shin guards (greaves) or padded sleeves. Like the gladiators’ unique weapon combinations, this limited armor enhanced the dynamic fighting styles of the arena.
Sica
Wood, steel
Modern reproduction
The sica was a curved blade used by different groups in the Balkans (ancient Thrace), for whom the thraex class was named. The unique shape of this sword was crafted to reach around the edge of an opponent’s shield.
Gladius with Scabbard
Wood, steel, leather
Modern reproduction
The term “gladiator” simply means “swordsman” and comes from the Latin term gladius. The gladius was a sword used primarily by the Roman army. With a broad and short blade, the sword was an effective and brutal weapon. The popular murmillo class typically fought with a gladius. An example of the murmillo’s flamboyant helmet can be seen below.
Dagger
Wood, steel
Modern reproduction
Daggers were another common gladiatorial weapon and were used by a wide variety of fighters. In both of the tombstones here, the gladiators Diodorus and Trypheros are shown fighting with daggers.
Gladiator Helmet
Brass
Modern reproduction
In the arena, gladiators often wore a bronze helmet for protection. Over time, helmets became larger and more elaborate in design. Tall feathers and horsehair crests were common adornments, mimicking the design of helmets worn by soldiers. Some gladiators might have had a custom helmet decorated with gods, mythological beasts, or other symbols of protection. Despite being heavy and limiting a gladiator’s field of vision, helmets with full face masks were another popular style. This particular helmet design was worn by a murmillo, who fought with a short sword and a large shield. On their sword arm, they commonly wore a padded sleeve guard.
