Did Britain Host Gladiators?
Beyond The Colosseum
Be it in films or lessons, the image of gladiators has typically been of two in combat within the grand Colosseum of Rome. However, just as the Romans brought roads, technology, architecture and culture to Britain, it begs the question, ‘Did they bring gladiatorial arenas and mortal combat to our shores also?’ Until recently, the answer was no, but now new archaeological research suggests that arena-staged battle may have taken place here in the late second century.
Our First Evidence Of Gladiators In Britain
Early last year, archaeologists conducted a new battery of tests on the Colchester Vase, today exhibited in the Colchester and Ipswich Museum, originally discovered in a Roman grave in Colchester in 1853. The recent tests showed that the Vase was made of local clay from around 160 – 200AD. Nothing surprising there, but what made the discovery eye-opening was that the inscription on the vase, which bears the names of two featured gladiators, was not cut into the clay after firing (as was previously thought), but rather before. This means that the inscription was part of the original design and not added later as simply an artistic representation of the gladiatorial arena with no real-time relation to actual events. Experts believe that this suggests the vase was potentially a sports memorabilia piece and had been commissioned by a gladiator trainer or owner and interested party with an immediate connection to the event. It’s also thought that the actual fights took place in the region, probably in one of Colchester’s two theatres.
This has been a significant finding because according to experts from Durham, London, and Reading Universities who were the Time Team behind the research, it is the first piece of compelling evidence of Roman gladiatorial combat being staged in Britain.
If you are interested in studying History, Oxford Home Schooling offers you the chance to do so at several levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us here.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
His poetry pushed boundaries, attacking monarchies and authority figures in a time when authors and publishers were commonly convicted of treason and sedition.
How to Analyse Primary Sources
This short guide will teach you everything you need to know when it comes to analysing a primary source, including some tips and strategies…
Mental Health Tips for Online Students
It’s important to make time in your busy schedule to tend to your mental health. After all, we’re human beings, not doings.
Existentialist Philosophy Can Help
By recognising that human existence and suffering are inherently entwined we can confront the hardships we experience and witness in order to thrive regardless.
The Future of Work and How to Thrive In It
It is going to be a very turbulent time, but chaos is a ladder and young people, (who tend to be hit hardest by economic slumps of this nature), need to become skilled climbers.
Why Consider Politics?: Part 3
Continuing along the spectrum of political theory we turn our attention to what can be described as ‘Right’ orientated political theories.
Why Consider Politics?: Part 2
Here we take a brief look at the other ‘Left’ orientated theories of politics.
Why Consider Politics?: Part 1
The word ‘politics’ goes far beyond the narrow concept of political parties.
Pandemic-Proof Careers
Work-wise there have been many losers during the pandemic. A lot of people have lost jobs, though others have successfully adapted to new roles within their respective industries. There have been some who have actively benefited from the current situation, in fact....
Nobel Prize Refusals And Reasoning
Unsurprisingly it was Tho and Sartre’s world views, philosophies and politics which propelled them to reject the notion of receiving their Nobel Prizes.