Rare Hadrian's Wall find shows that gladiator celebrity cult spread to far edge of Roman empire
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveA rare Roman knife handle cast in the shape of a gladiator discovered at a Northumberland Hadrian's Wall site could be evidence that gladiators were huge celebrities on the northern edge of the ancient empire.
The copper alloy handle, found at Corbridge Roman Town, depicts a secutor gladiator with a helmet and shield, and is said to be a remarkable example of a Roman gladiator souvenir, a rarity in Britain. English Heritage described it as a "significant find" and says it provides new proof that gladiators' celebrity status extended to the very edge of the Roman Empire.
The gladiator on the handle appears to be a strong, muscular fighter with heavy equipment including a large shield, sword and helmet. The figurine is left-handed which would have been unlucky at the time and is therefore potentially a figurine of a specific gladiator.
Some gladiators were even taught to fight left-handed, perhaps to gain an advantage over their opponents. There is no specific evidence that fights took place in the North East, but English Heritage say that it is "highly likely" as gladiators were a very important part of Roman leisure culture.
Dr Frances McIntosh, English Heritage's collections curator for Hadrian's Wall and the North East, said: "It is rare to find a piece of gladiator memorabilia in Britain and to find such a well preserved and interesting piece is particularly remarkable.
"Despite being enslaved and socially outcast due to their profession, gladiators could become huge celebrities. Gladiators and the ‘spectacles’ were an integral part of Roman cultural life, taking place all across the Roman Empire."
"The phenomenon inspired the creation of sporting memorabilia, such as decorated ceramics and glass cups, lamps and figurines. Gladiators had sex appeal and there are cases of high-status Roman women falling 'in love' with these lowly fighters, despite the vast social difference."
English Heritage's announcement of the knife's discovery comes as Gladiator II is released in cinemas 24 years after the Oscar-winning original. Director Ridley Scott, 86, who was born in South Shields, has already teased that he is working on a third installment to the series - though it's unlikely to feature his home region.
Dr McIntosh finished: "This beautifully made knife handle is a testament to how pervasive this celebrity culture was, reaching all the way to Hadrian’s Wall at the very edge of the Roman Empire. Even now, almost two thousand years later, the fascination around gladiators persists and has expanded even further into modern popular culture, as evidenced by the excitement surrounding the new Gladiator film sequel."
The 2,000-year-old souvenir is set to go on display at Corbridge Roman Town in 2025 along with other finds from the River Tyne. Other notable finds that will be displayed include slave shackles, a copper alloy belt buckle, a phallic stud, a panther figurine, and small bits of gold jewellery.
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