Spartacus the Murmillo

For this actum I have chosen to draw a depiction of the roman gladiator, Spartacus. Spartacus is famous for leading the third servile revolt in 73 B.C. against the Roman Republic. It was ultimately unsuccessful and he was killed in 71 B.C. Spartacus was a heavy weight gladiator called a Murmillo. The drawing remains consistent with the historical descriptions of this type of gladiator. Murmillos carried a gladius, which was a sword of about 18 inches, used to both slice and cut its opponents. The arm holding the gladius was protected with a Manica, which was a protective sleeve made of leather or metal.  On the other hand, they carried a Scutum, which was a long rectangular shield similar to the type used in the roman army. Murmillos would wear a Cassis Crista on their heads, which was a helmet with a broad rim and a protective face grill. On their shins, Murmillos would wear an Ocrea, which was a shin guard usually made of some type of metal. Lastly, these gladiators would wear a Balteus, which was a leather belt, similar to a weight lifting or boxing belt. Due to all of the heavy equipment, the success of these gladiators largely relied on their strength, which is why Spartacus is depicted here with large and defined muscles.