1st century AD. A bronze figure of a Samnite gladiator wearing a peaked helmet with two crests running down the top, light armour and a rectangular scutum shield and short puglio dagger, greaves to the lower legs; on a rectangular bronze stand with short feet. 72 grams, 80mm (3 1/4"). Private collection, home counties, UK; acquired before 1980. The Samnite gladiator appeared in Rome shortly after the defeat of Samnium in the fourth century BC, apparently adopted from the victory celebrations of Rome's allies in Campania. By arming low-status gladiators in the manner of a defeated foe, Romans mocked the Samnites and appropriated martial elements of their culture. Samnites were quite popular during the period of Roman Republic. Eventually, other gladiator types joined the roster, such as the Gaul and the Thracian. Under the reign of Emperor Augustus, Samnium became an ally and integral part of the Roman Empire. Around this time, the Samnite gladiator fell out of favour, probably because insulting the Samnites was no longer seen as acceptable behaviour. The Samnite was replaced by similarly armed gladiators, including the hoplomachus and the secutor.

Fine condition, repaired.