Update on the Spatha and Gladius fighting techniques!

[john m roberts]

The right leg forward stance put that leg at hazard since it wasn't as protected by the shield as the left was. This is graphically exhibited on the Zliten gladiatorial mosaic. In one pair, a murmillo has incautiously advanced his right leg in front of his left in making a thrust. His Thraex opponent has caught the thrust on his parma and deflected it upward while simultaneously cutting the murmillo on the side or rear of the advanced thigh. The sica can clearly be seen slicing the leg from which blood gushes copiously. Thraeces wore armor on both legs and ran less risk when performing a right leg forward maneuver.