Update on the Spatha and Gladius fighting techniques!

[Olaf]

First, here are a few depictions of early Essedarii (probably called Gallus at this time):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]
https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetar...60535@N05/ (in the original relief the Gladius with squared of tip and two fullers on the blade is clearly visible)
http://www.gendergeschiedenis.nl/icons/d...adiat2.jpg
http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/MSNBC/Comp...id-4x2.jpg
Two graffiti showing Gladiators with oval shields also show them wielding what seems top be javelins, so this here might actually show the panoply of two Essedarii/Galli (note the oval shapes at the bottom, that resemble Scuti with Spinae:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]
It seems early depictions of Essedarii/Galli show them with pointed swords more often, but in later depiction the clipped point is more often shown, like in this eastern imperial 2nd/3rd century mosaic from Kourion:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/

The Samnes/Samnite was more likely the origin of the Provocator Armatura, both sharing the squared Samnite Scutum and the single greave on the leading leg. The Provocator even wearing the characteristic pectoral plate.