Rome, ca. 1st Century AD. While the vast majority of Roman gladiators were men, women combatants did exist, often with the same degree of fame afforded their male counterparts. This lamp represents these rare female warriors. Light-tan clay lamp with reddish-brown slip; sunken central discus depicting female helmeted gladiator, carrying shield and mace; incuse concentric banding surrounding; undecorated downward sloping shoulder; voluted channel with rounded nozzle. Maker's name 'L.M.ADIEC' incuse on reverse.

According to Tacitus, some noblewomen and senators entered the arena to fight in the amphitheatre games of 63 CE. Dio Cassius reports that in 66 CE, Ethiopian women were introduced into the arena at the munus offered in Pozzuoli (or Puteoli) by Emperor Nero in honor of King Tiridates I of Armenia. Juvenal mentions a female gladiator named "Mevia", who hunted boars in the arena "with spear in hand and breasts exposed". In the Satyricon, Petronius mentions a munus organized by a man named Titus who presented a woman fighting on a cart. During the reign of Emperor Domitian, a munus organized in 89 CE featured female gladiators. In Halicarnassus, a marble relief dated to the 2nd century CE depicts two female combatants bearing the fictional names "Amazon" and "Achillia"; the match ended in a draw. In Ostia, a 2nd century epigraph praises a member of the local elite for being the first to "arm women" in the history of the city's games. The evidence so far indicates that female gladiators fought in accordance with the same regulations adhered to by male gladiators. Also, it was only possible for a woman to fight in a gladiatorial game if she was able to access any form of professional training.

Specific to this example, this very fine Roman Oil Lamp from a major workshop depicting a gladiator in combat; however, this style of gladiator is outside the realm of any known “male” depiction. The subject clearly wears what we would classify as a very flowing skirt with a style that is “off the shoulder” holding a shield in one hand and type of mace or axe in the other. There can only be one conclusion – that this does indeed represent the very rare, but well-documented female gladiator. 4"L, intact/excellent condition. Custom stand.

ProvenanceEx-Hornbeam Collection.
Material Pottery
Dimensions 4"L
Condition Intact

Antiquities
Ancient Roman