Roman vessel – evidence of gladiator fights in Britain

In 1853, a Roman vase depicting a gladiator fight was discovered in Colchester (England). The latest research shows that the artifact was created in the years 160-200 CE, which proves that such events took place in Britain. This is the only object from Britain at the moment showing gladiator fights.

The dish measures 21 by 15 cm. Embossed scenes show the struggle of the secutor and the retiarius; another two men hunting a bear; and a dog chasing a hare and a deer. The vessel also bears the names of the gladiators: Secundus, Mario, Memnon and Valentinus.