Get the look: Gladiatrices - thraex and retiarius

The thraex and retiarius were two gladiators who regularly fought each other in the arena. There are references to female gladiators, known as "gladiatrices" or "ludii muliebres", who participated in gladiatorial combat 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 references suggests that female gladiators indeed participated in the games. 

Based on the equipment of their male counterparts, we have equipped two gladiatrices: a thraex and a retiarius. The heavily armored, well-armed thraex and the lightly equipped, more agile retiarius were evenly matched.

It is reasonable to assume that gladiatrices, like male gladiators, wore a tunica as a base layer under their armor. The tunica was a simple garment consisting of a loose tunic or a long shirt worn over the body. It served as underclothing and would usually be made of linen.

The fuscina was a trident weapon used by the retiarius. It had three sharp points attached to the end of a long shaft. The fuscina was designed for thrusting and piercing, and the length allowed the enemy to be kept at a distance.

The rete was a throwing net made of strong and flexible rope or cord. It had weights on the edges to cast the net effectively. Once the opponent was caught, the retiarius could attack. The use of the rete and the fuscina required agility, speed, and precision from the retiarius.

The parmula was generally a round or semi-round 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 about 60 to 80 centimeters (24 to 31 inches). This size made the shield easier to handle and more maneuverable for the thraex during combat.

The galea or helmet of the thraex had a wide brim that was slightly curved upwards at the sides. It was usually made of metal and lined with fabric or leather on the inside to be more comfortable for the wearer. On top of the helmet was a distinctive, fish-like crest. This may be why the thraex (the fish) was often pitted against the retiarius (the fisherman).

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 handle, which enhanced agility and control during combat. The sica is derived from the Thracians, which may possibly explain the name Thraex.