The real gladiators of Britain revealed

For centuries, the Roman Empire was known for its thrilling gladiator battles, where brave fighters faced off in front of large crowds. While many people think of the Colosseum in Rome as the main arena for these fights, similar events also took place in Britain. A new exhibition at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester is set to showcase some fascinating artifacts from this time, including a 2,000-year-old helmet and various artworks that depict gladiatorial combat. This exhibition will open in January and will travel to other museums after its initial run. One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is the Colchester Vase, which dates back to around 175 AD. This remarkable vase was discovered in a Roman grave in 1853 and has recently been studied by researchers. They found that the vase features a detailed depiction of a real battle between two gladiators: Memnon, a secutor, and Valentinus, a retiarius. The secutor was known for his heavy armor and powerful weapons, while the retiarius fought with a fishing net and a trident. The vase illustrates Memnon as the victor, with Valentinus raising his finger in defeat, providing a glimpse into the fierce competitions that took place in ancient times. Another significant artifact in the exhibition is the Hawkedon Helmet, which is the only surviving gladiator helmet from Roman Britain. This bronze helmet was designed to protect the head during combat and features panels that shield the sides of the wearer's head. It is believed that the helmet may have been taken from Colchester, known as Camulodunum during Roman times, during Boudica's rebellion in AD 60. According to the British Museum, the helmet originally had a shiny tinned surface, and the wearer would have had their face protected by a hinged mask with eye guards. Nicholas Cullinan, the Director of the British Museum, expressed excitement about the exhibition, stating that it will 'reveal the humans behind the helmets. ' Claire Dixon, the executive director of the Dorset Museum, added that visitors will have the opportunity to explore the lesser-known stories of gladiators in Britain, along with a variety of Roman artifacts, mosaics, and historical narratives from the region. The exhibition will be on display at the Dorset Museum from January 25 until May 11, and it will also visit other locations, including the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Chester's Grosvenor Museum, and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle. This exhibition promises to be an enlightening experience for anyone interested in the history of gladiators and the Roman Empire.