The thraex and retiarius were two gladiators who regularly fought each other in the ring. There are references to female gladiators, known as "gladiatrices" or "ludii muliebres", who participated in gladiator fights in ancient Rome. Various Roman writers, such as Tacitus and Dio Cassius, occasionally mentioned female gladiators in their writings. Although they were often described in a negative light, the existence of these mentions suggests that female gladiators indeed participated in the games.
Based on the equipment of their male counterparts, we've outfitted two gladiatrices: a thraex and a retiarius. The heavily armored, well-armed thraex and the lightly equipped, more agile retiarius were evenly matched.
Tunics for gladiatrices
It's reasonable to assume that gladiatrices, like male gladiators, wore a tunic as a basic layer under their armor. The tunic was a simple garment consisting of a loose tunic or a long shirt worn over the body. It served as undergarment and would typically be made of linen.
Retiarius equipment
Retiarius - fuscina (trident)
The fuscina was a three-pronged weapon used by the retiarius. It had three sharp tips attached to the end of a long shaft. The fuscina was designed for thrusting and jabbing, and its length allowed the opponent to be kept at a better distance.
Retiarius - rete (net)
The rete was a casting net made of strong and flexible rope or cord. It had weights around the edges to throw the net effectively. Once the opponent was caught, the retiarius could attack. Using the rete and fuscina required agility, speed, and precision from the retiarius.
Thraex equipment
Thraex - parmula (shield)
The parmula was generally a round or semi-circular shape with a slightly convex curve. It was smaller than the large, rectangular shields used by some other gladiators. The size varied, but generally the parmula had a diameter of around 60 to 80 centimeters (24 to 31 inches). This format made the shield easier to handle and more agile for the thraex during combat.
Thraex - galea (helmet)
The galea or helmet of the thraex had a wide rim that curved slightly upwards at the sides. It was usually made of metal and lined inside with cloth or leather to be more comfortable for the wearer. On top of the helmet was a striking, fish-like crest. Perhaps this is why the thraex (the fish) was regularly placed opposite the retiarius (the fisherman).
Thraex - manica (arm armor)
The thraex wore shin guards to protect the lower legs, and a manica or arm covering over the right arm. The left arm was already protected by the shield. We chose a manica with scales to emphasize the contrast with the retiarius.
Thraex - sica
The thraex was armed with a short, curved sword, the sica. This curved shape allowed the thraex to make quick and powerful cutting movements. The design of the sica ensured that the weight was concentrated close to the hilt, which promoted agility and control during combat. The sica was adopted from the Thracians, which may explain the name Thraex.
