Retiarius, "Hail, Emperor, Those Who Are About to Die Salute You," Gladiators--single figure with net and trident
$75.00

John Jenkins Designs

Item Number: GLAD-03

Retiarius, "Hail, Emperor, Those Who Are About to Die Salute You," Gladiators--single figure

GLADIATORS
"HAIL, EMPEROR, THOSE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE SALUTE YOU."

Gladiators were armed combatants who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals and condemned criminals.  

Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their lives and their legal and social standing by appearing in the arena, but most were despised as slaves, schooled under harsh conditions, socially marginalized and even segregated even in death.  Irrespective of their origin, gladiators offered spectators an example of Rome’s martial ethics and in fighting or dying well, they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim.  They were celebrated in high and low art, and their value as entertainers was commemorated in precious and commonplace objects throughout the Roman world.

THE RETIARIUS

The retiarius gladiator was one of the most recognizable fighters of the ancient Roman Colosseum.  The name Retiarius translates in latin as “net fighter”, and this gladiator did indeed fight with a net and a trident.  The retiarii was in fact based on the role of the fisherman.  In ancient Rome, fishing played a large part of daily life, and the retiarius character was something that most common folk could support.

The retiarius were armed with the unique weapons, such as a trident and a net.  These weapons obviously dictated their fighting style.  The length of the trident meant the retiarii had to keep his distance, mainly jabbing and prodding from long range.  Their light armour allowed them to move quickly, and, as they wore no helmet, their vision was clear and allowed for head movement in the way other gladiators could not.

The retiarius were able to use their net in multiple ways, trapping the other gladiator, trying to hook the net over a limb or head, or trap a weapon, pulling and releasing it from his foes grasp.  Once successful and able to close with his opponent, a small dagger could be used to quickly end his enemy.

The retiarii main opponent was the Secutor, although it is also believed that this gladiator also fought the Murmillo on occasion as well.

Due to be released in NOVEMBER 2025.