This set of 4 Roman gladiator figurines, each 4 cm tall, is made of lead-free pewter. The pack contains four different types of gladiators: the Secutor, the Retiarius, the Thracian and the Samnite. Included is a full-color information card that shows a scene from a Roman gladiator mosaic on the front and historical information on the back, accompanied by additional images. The figures and card are housed in a clear plastic blister pack.
Gladiators were professional and amateur fighters in ancient Rome. Often they were convicts, prisoners of war or slaves, but sometimes free men and women became gladiators. They fought among themselves or against animals, usually to the death, unless the loser's life was spared by the decision of the audience.
Gladiators were trained in special schools. After training, they fought for the amusement of spectators in arenas and amphitheatres. The most famous of these was the Colosseum in Rome, built around 80 AD, which held up to 50,000 spectators.
Different types of gladiators specialized in different weapons and fighting tactics:
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The secutor was developed specifically to fight the retiarius. He had a large rectangular shield and a short stabbing sword (gladius). His helmet covered his entire face except for small eyeholes and was smooth to prevent it from catching the opponent's net.
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Retiarius was armed with a trident, a dagger and a net. He also had a large arm guard (manica), sometimes supplemented by a metal shoulder guard (galerus) to protect his neck and lower face.
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The thracian wore a broad-brimmed helmet, a small round or square shield, and leg guards. His weapon was a curved sword (sica).
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The Samnite used a large oblong shield (scutum), a left leg guard, and a helmet with a visor and a distinctive crest. He was armed with a sword (gladius).
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