A Rare Gladiator Knife Handle Unearthed at Hadrian’s Wall!
Archaeologists in Northumberland, England, have uncovered a remarkable 2,000-year-old knife handle shaped like a gladiator. This intriguing find was discovered along Hadrian’s Wall, near the River Tyne close to Corbridge Roman Town, a significant Roman settlement that dates back to 79 CE. The artefact is not just a fascinating relic of the past, but also a window into the cultural significance of gladiators in ancient Roman society.
Crafted from copper alloy, the knife handle is shaped in the form of a secutor gladiator, a heavily armoured fighter known for their close combat skills. The secutor typically battled against the more agile retiarius, who wielded a net and trident. What's particularly striking about this figure is that it appears to depict a left-handed gladiator, a rare trait in Roman culture. Left-handedness was often viewed as unlucky, but in this case, it could be a deliberate choice to represent a specific individual. Dr Frances McIntosh, Collections Curator for Hadrian’s Wall and the North East at English Heritage, explained that left-handed gladiators were unusual, and it’s possible that they were trained this way to gain a tactical advantage in the arena.
The knife handle was discovered in the River Tyne, a site near Corbridge Roman Town. This area was an essential Roman supply base and settlement. Dr. McIntosh expressed her excitement over the find, saying, "To find such a well-preserved and fascinating piece is amazing. This beautifully made knife handle is a testament to how pervasive gladiator celebrity culture was, reaching the farthest corners of the Roman Empire."
Photo Credit: English Heritage
The Fame of Gladiators
Gladiators were often slaves or condemned criminals who were trained to fight in brutal public games across the Roman Empire from 105 BCE to 404 CE. These events were organised by wealthy elites and even the emperor, and were meant to showcase their power, wealth, and generosity while providing entertainment for the masses. Despite their lowly status, some gladiators achieved fame and fortune, and became icons of Roman society. Many even gained admirers, with reports suggesting that high-ranking Roman women were among those who were enamoured by the fighters. Gladiators could be given gifts by their fans, further adding to their celebrity status.
Dr. McIntosh highlighted how gladiators often inspired such devotion, noting that “Gladiators had individual fans who followed them and even gave them gifts.” The popularity of gladiators was not only evident in the arenas but also in the widespread production of gladiator-themed memorabilia. While items like decorated ceramics, glass vials, and figurines were commonly found, the knife handle stands out due to its high-quality craftsmanship and its connection to the northern frontier of the empire.
The secutor gladiator depicted on the handle is shown as a strong, muscular figure, holding a large shield and helmet, ready for battle. These warriors were typically pitted against retiarii, whose light armour and reliance on speed and agility made the contests even more exciting for spectators. Gladiator games were often held in conjunction with other public spectacles, such as animal hunts and executions, providing a full day of entertainment.
Photo Credit: English Heritage
A Fascinating Mystery
The exact circumstances surrounding how the knife handle ended up in the River Tyne remain a mystery. Dr. McIntosh mused, “Did it fall out of someone’s pocket? Was it thrown in intentionally? We may never know.” Regardless of how it came to be lost, the discovery of the knife handle is a remarkable find, highlighting the far-reaching influence of gladiator culture across the Roman Empire.
The artefact will be displayed by English Heritage alongside other fascinating finds from the river at Corbridge Roman Town in 2025. This discovery adds to a growing collection of gladiator-related items found throughout England, including a Samian bowl from Richborough Roman Fort in Kent that depicts a victorious gladiator triumphing over a defeated opponent. These finds help us better understand the allure of gladiator contests, and how they captivated Roman audiences, both in the arena and beyond.
In the years to come, this knife handle will surely continue to captivate historians and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the enduring popularity of gladiators and the cultural impact they had, even on the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire.