04-10-2007, 02:27 PM
This exact cut is shown clearly in the Zliten mosaic. In a Thracian-Murmillo pairing, the Murmillo has incautiously advanced his right leg before his left and raised his shield too high. The Thracian is dealing a push-cut or draw-cut to the rear of the advanced thigh. The curved blade is graphically shown cutting the thigh, with blood pouring abundantly from the wound. It must have been a standard technique of the arena and, presumably, the battlefield. Thanks for the quote. I've read it referred to, but never seen the full text.
Pecunia non olet
