Types of Fighters

Gladiators were not interchangeable. Each type had its own weapons, armor, and fighting style, and promoters paired them for maximum drama. The retiarius fought with a net and trident, wearing almost no armor. His opponent, the secutor, carried a heavy shield and a smooth, rounded helmet designed to slip free of the net.

The murmillo fought with a sword and rectangular shield, often matched against the net-wielding retiarius. The thraex carried a small curved sword called a sica and a tiny square shield, forcing him to dodge and strike fast. Promoters chose contrasting styles on purpose, so no two matchups looked the same.