07-05-2007, 04:52 PM
The essedarius probably calls for his own thread. I'm pretty much convinced that this was the gladiator called "Galli" because all his equipment was Gaulish: simple, round-topped helmet, oval shield which was apparently flat in the early days, absence of armor except for the manica and round- or square-tipped slashing sword. Depictions of the essedarius/galli are rare compared to the other types. Most depictions show a short sword, held almost upright and well forward. This suggests to me that it was wielded not in a full-arm slash, but in short chops rather like a small machete. One exception is the odd gladiator depicted in a relief from Dyrrachium (see Osprey Republican Roman Armies p. 24) who seems to have a longer but still blunt-tipped sword. This fighter also seems to be wearing a cloth helmet cover that looks like an 18th century woman's mobcap. Of course the essedarii only fought within their own category which was probably a good thing, as the lack of armor and stabbing capability would have been a severe handicap against any other type.
Pecunia non olet
