Thraex
{{Short description|Type of Roman gladiator}}
File:Detail of Gladiator mosaic, a Thraex (left) fighting a Murmillo (right), Römerhalle, Bad Kreuznach, Germany (8196070427).jpg, mosaic from Bad Kreuznach, Germany]]
The Thraex ({{plural form }}: Thraeces), or Thracian, was a type of Roman gladiator armed in Thracian style. His equipment included a parmula, a small shield (about 60 × 65 cm) that might be rectangular, square or circular; and a sica, a short sword with a curved blade like a small version of the Dacian falx, intended to maim an opponent's unarmoured back. His other armour included greaves, a protective belt above a loincloth, and a helmet with a side plume, visor and high crest.
Fighting style and techniques
File:Knife handle Thraex Musée BnF Froehner930a.jpg
A passage in Petronius indicates that "Thracian" was a style of gladiatorial fighting taught in training schools.{{sfn|Carter|2006|p=104, citing Satyricon 45.12}} An inscription records a doctor thraecum, a teacher of would-be Thracians.{{sfn|Carter|2006|p=104}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
Sources
- {{cite journal
| last =Carter
| first =M. J.
|author-link =
| title = Gladiatorial Combat: The Rules of Engagement
| date =2006
| journal =Classical Journal
| volume = 102
| issue = 2
| pages =97–114
| jstor = 30038038
}}
- [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1873-0820-53 Bronze figurine of a gladiator - British Museum]
- [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1907-0518-4 Terracotta figurine of 2 gladiators - British Museum]
- E. Köhne and C. Ewigleben (eds.). Gladiators and Caesars: The Power of Spectacles in Ancient Rome. London: The British Museum Press, 2000.
External links
{{commonscat|Thraces}}
- [https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/cf42fd3fc263df78531de39b1defb3273f23d417/0_29_3072_1843/master/3072.jpg?width=1225&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=7a5280bf03ded67077945c13bafb255a Fresco of a murmillo and Thracian fighting], found in Pompei in 2019
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