Murmillo

The murmillo (plural murmillones) was a type of gladiator during the Roman Imperial period. The murmillo was a heavily armed gladiator, typically pitted against the thraex (Thracian) or hoplomachus, both of whom were armed and armored in ways that referenced specific cultures (Thracian and Greek, respectively).

The murmillo was characterized by his distinctive helmet, which featured a large, stylized fish crest. This crest gave the murmillo his unofficial nickname: "fish-man." This connection to fish may have been a symbolic association with Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. The helmet also featured a face guard with small eyeholes.

In addition to the helmet, the murmillo typically carried a gladius (a short Roman sword) and a large, rectangular scutum (shield), similar to that used by Roman legionaries. He wore a manica (arm guard) on his right arm, an ocrea (greave) on his left leg, and a subligaculum (loincloth). The exposed areas of the body offered vulnerabilities for his opponent to exploit.

The murmillo's fighting style likely emphasized strength and endurance, utilizing the large shield for defense while attempting to overpower his opponent with the gladius. His heavy armor made him less agile than his opponents, necessitating a more deliberate and forceful approach. The murmillo represented a kind of "heavy infantry" gladiator, a stark contrast to the lighter, more nimble gladiatorial types.