Experience a gladiatorial combat!
The Cavillargues medallion: an example of a show in the amphitheater
médaillon de Cavillargues (romaine ; haut-empire)Musée de la Romanité
This terracotta medallion originally decorated the belly of a vase from the Roman period (mid-2nd century to mid-3rd century CE). It served as a lid for a funerary urn, so this reuse helped preserve it.
The scene depicts a combat in its final phase between two gladiators with different equipment (armatura): a retiarius on the left and a secutor on the right. The presence of other characters is quite innovative and evokes the atmosphere of these shows.
The retiarius on the left is wearing a loincloth with a wide belt, an arm guard (manica) and a metal shoulder guard (galerus) that protects his arm. He's pointing his trident at his opponent's right leg. The net, which is another element of his equipment is not visible.
Depicted from behind, the secutor on the right is moving towards the retiarius. He's wearing the traditional secutor equipment: a helmet with a rounded crest, a decorated rectangular shield protecting his left arm, a greave on his left leg, and an arm guard (manica) on his right arm.
The combatants are placed on a platform (pontus) supported by crosspieces. It was accessed by two inclined boards and was used exclusively for duels between the retiarius (most distinctive-looking, bareheaded, unshielded gladiator) and secutors (the "follower" paired with a retiarius, distinguished by a helmet with small eyeholes).
A small figure, wearing a tunic belted at the waist, is holding a sign bearing the name of the secutor, Eros Caes XVI. The number represents how many victories he's achieved. It adds excitement to the show by arousing the curiosity of the audience.
The figure between the gladiators and the person to the right of the secutor with his fist raised are the referees. Their Latin name, summa rudis and secunda rudis, comes from the item they held—the rudis (long staff)—which also symbolizes their profession.
Four figures are standing on a horizontal line, with the inscription "stantes missi (sent away standing meaning the battle was a draw)" to their left. In the center, we see the two gladiators leaving the arena (the victor of the fight not yet determined) and being greeted by musicians.
A small figure wearing a tunic belted at the waist is holding a sign bearing the name of the retiarius, Xanthus Caes XVI. The number represents how many victories he's achieved. It adds excitement to the show by arousing the curiosity of the audience.
The inscription "stantes missi" declares that the audience wants the two gladiators to be spared since neither of them got the upper hand on the other. This situation is considered as glorious as a victory.
Scenes of gladiatorial combats, which were very popular, often decorated daily life objects. They also provide useful information that adds to the accounts of the ancient authors.
Musée de la Romanité de Nîmes - https://museedelaromanite.fr/
Realization: Ville de Nîmes - Musée de la Romanité
Iconography: © Ville de Nîmes - Musée de la Romanité
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