Murmillo

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The murmillo was a class of gladiator during the Roman Imperial age.

The distinguishing feature of the murmillo was the high crest of his helmet which, together with its broad rim, was shaped somewhat like a fish. Otherwise, he wore a loincloth, belt, a short greave on the left leg, a linen manica to protect his right arm, and the curved rectangular shield of the Roman legionary. He also carried the legionary's short, straight sword, or gladius, from which gladiators derived their name. The style of dress and arms are thought to have been derived from Gaulish prisoners. Sometimes, murmillos also fought in full armor, making them a formidable opponent.

The murmillo usually fought the thraex, retiarius, or secutor. The pairing with the retiarius was most common, as the piscine appearance of the murmillo contrasted well with the retiarius' costume of a fisherman.

Except for the helmet, the equipment of the murmillo and secutor was the same. Both wore a loincloth and belt, the right arm protected by a manica of tied linen and the left leg by a short greave. The curved rectangular shield and straight sword that both carried were similar to those used by the Roman soldier. It is the helmet of the murmillo, with its high angular crest and broad curved brim that is so distinctive.

The murmillo usually fought the thraex, and both are depicted in these figurines from the Württembergische Landesmuseum (Stuttgart). This was the most frequent pairing in the first century AD. Later, combat between the retiarius and secutor became more common.

[edit] External links

• James Grout: Murmillo, part of the Encyclopædia Romana