Russell Crowe as General Maximus in Gladiator
Left-handed Romans were considered unlucky and untrustworthy. In Roman culture, left-handedness was associated with bad luck, impurity, or betrayal — the word sinister in Latin meant “left,” but over time it took on the meaning of “ominous.” In many religious rituals, the appearance of a bird on the left side was considered an unfavorable omen.
In gladiatorial shows, left-handed warriors were especially prized. They were rare, which made them more difficult to defeat, since most of their opponents were not accustomed to fighting with that style. In fact, some right-handers were deliberately taught to fight with their left hand to gain a tactical advantage.
