Page 1/...Page 2

The various proficiency levels are distinguished with names of animals, and each requires the completion of a specific training course and the passing of various tests, using different weapons and armour.
Upon admission, a new student is a Tiro, i.e. a pupil and gladiator trainee. After the first semester, a Tiro takes the Sacramentum gladiatorum, i.e. a gladiatorial oath of devotion to ars dimicandi (the art of combat); that marks the official admission to the Ludus (school).
After taking the oath and passing the test, consisting in a demonstration of the combat forms learned during the semester and a simulated combat with the rudis, the novice becomes known as an Anguis. The next semester will see the Anguis practice combat with the rudis with the addition of shield and helmet.
The schoolmaster, based on the degree of preparedness, might allow the novice to start using the gladius (a short sword made of iron). The next exam will test the student’s ability with either the rudis or the gladius, plus shield and helmet. After passing the test, the student becomes an Equus and will begin facing other gladiators.
Subsequent training includes learning the use of a double gladius while wearing full armour, i.e. including protection for the arms (iron gauntlets) and legs (greaves). Students will go on to learn to fight with different weapons, e.g. net and trident, sica (a curved gladius), spear, axe, and hammer, advancing to Lupus, Leo, and Aquila. After achieving the top level, one can specialize as a particular type of gladiator, such as a Retiarius, Mirmillo, Thrax, Secutor, Dimachaerius, Hoplomachus, or Amazon. Each class leads to a Diploma of Doctor.
Of course, the exam to become a Doctor is much more challenging than the rest; any candidate must prove worthy of fighting on a peer level with the existing Doctores.
The Gladiator School of Rome was established by Gruppo Storico Romano, a not-for-profit cultural association of re-enactors of Imperial Rome, especially of the first century CE.

Page 2/...Page 3

Printable Version Email to a Friend Share

Voice Your Opinion Letter to the Editor