Although it was rare for gladiatorial combat to end in death outside of Rome, the games were still very dangerous. Deaths from injuries did occur, despite the best efforts of the doctors hired by the gladiator school. Gladiators who survived their careers in combat retired at a range of times. Some fought in as few as 8 fights, while others claim on their tombstones—likely falsely—to have retired after fighting in as many as 75 bouts. Successful fighters sometimes went on to become coaches or started their own schools. On their tombstones, gladiators are presented dramatically, with fighters depicting themselves as mythological or larger-than-life figures. From their tombstones we can also glimpse life for gladiators outside the arena. Many mention their wives and children, as well as their lifelong friendships with gladiators they trained with and fought beside.
A Celebrated Career: The Tombstone of Trypheros
White marble
2nd–3rd century CE
Archaeological Museum of Patras, inv. no. 191
Photo: Egisto Sani, 2018
Translation: “Trypheros, first category, (won) eleven fights. Alexandros to his father, in memory.”
This simple but effective tombstone celebrates the career gladiator Trypheros. The 11 wreaths symbolize his number of victories, and he wears the armor of a secutor. His son, Alexandros, who dedicated the monument, is depicted standing next to him as an Eros. Alexandros holds a crown and palm leaf to further emphasize his father’s career success.
A Bad Call: The Tombstone of Diodorus
Stone
150–250 CE
Türkiye. Musée du Cinquantenaire, Brussels, inv. no. A1562
Photo: © ImageStudio RMAH Brussels
Translation: “Here I lie victorious, Diodorus the wretched. After breaking my opponent Demetrius I did not kill him immediately. But murderous Fate and the cunning treachery of the summa rudis (referee) killed me, and leaving the light I have gone to Hades. I lie in the land of the original inhabitants. A good friend buried me here because of his piety.”
Diodorus was one of the unlucky gladiators who died during a battle. He had bested his opponent, Demetrius, but the referee did not suspend the match. As a result, Demetrius was able to regain his strength and overtake Diodorus. This funerary monument recounts the deadly moment, with one gladiator brandishing his dagger and standing above his fallen opponent. A fellow gladiator likely set up the monument for Diodorus.
