Archaeologists recently unearthed a rare 2,000-year-old knife handle cast in the form of a gladiator at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, England.
The artifact, made of copper alloy, depicts a secutor gladiator, a class of heavily armored fighters known for their close-combat prowess against their nimble counterparts, the retiarius, who wielded a net and trident. Notably, the figurine reveals the gladiator as left-handed—a trait considered unlucky in Roman culture but possibly indicative of a specific individual. “Gladiators who fought left-handed were rare and could have been trained that way to gain an edge in combat,” explained Dr. Frances McIntosh, Collections Curator for Hadrian’s Wall and the North East at English Heritage.
The handle was discovered in the River Tyne near Corbridge Roman Town, a significant Roman settlement and supply base dating back to 79 CE. “To find such a well-preserved and fascinating piece is amazing. This beautifully made knife handle is a testament to how pervasive gladiator celebrity culture was, reaching the farthest corners of the Roman Empire,” McIntosh said in a statement.
Gladiators, often enslaved people or condemned criminals, were trained fighters who participated in public games held across the empire from 105 BCE to 404 CE. These events, organized by wealthy elites and sometimes the emperor, showcased wealth and entertained the masses. Despite their status as social outcasts, successful gladiators gained immense popularity and even became sex symbols.
“Gladiators had individual fans who followed them and even gave them gifts,” McIntosh noted. High-ranking Roman women, she added, were rumored to have fallen for these lowly fighters, sometimes defying societal norms. Evidence of gladiator memorabilia has surfaced in various forms, including decorated ceramics, glass vials, and figurines, but this knife handle stands out for its craftsmanship and connection to the northern frontier of the empire.
The secutor gladiator depicted on the handle is muscular, holding a large shield and helmet. These fighters often faced retiarii, whose lack of armor and reliance on agility made for thrilling spectacles. Gladiator games typically followed animal hunts and prisoner executions, creating a full day of entertainment for Roman audiences.
Other gladiator-themed artifacts found across England, such as a Samian bowl from Richborough Roman Fort in Kent, further illustrate the widespread cultural phenomenon. This bowl depicts a victorious gladiator standing triumphantly over a defeated opponent, reflecting the dramatic allure of these contests.
How the knife handle ended up in the Tyne River remains a mystery. “Did it fall out of someone’s pocket? Was it thrown in intentionally? We may never know,” McIntosh said. English Heritage plans to display the artifact alongside other finds from the river at Corbridge Roman Town in 2025.
