Roman guards suitable for the amphitheatre

[The Dozing Dragon]

As I seem to be carrying on painting gladiators I wondered what suitable guards types are out there.....I have a handful of 1st century armored types but they are 'action' poses and I'm not sure the armor would be suitable for their role.

[fastolfrus]

Maybe some lightly armoured auxiliary types standing at ease?

[Mr.J]

These maybe from Crusader?

[fastolfrus]

That's the chaps!

[Will Bailie]

Foundry has several different Roman legionaries or auxilia standing at ease, maybe one of them?

These Ceasarians (unarmoured) may do the trick:


Plenty of others to look at as well:
http://wargamesfoundry.com/historical_ranges/single_packs/ancients/roman_-_imperial/?sector_id=12&page=all

[LeadAsbestos]

Yep, I need some too. Looking for the Spartacus: Bllod and Sand feel to my troops. Starting work on my Playmobil arena shortly, so I'll have plenty to keep me occupied!

[Mr.J]

They also do these packs which I think would work nicely. Depends on what period you are after.

[Mad Doc Morris]

As shown here Crusader, Aventine and Foundry have several 'standing at ease' poses in their ranges. Size-wise I would go for the Steve Saleh-sculpts from Foundry, for they're matching the heighth of most current 28mm gladiator models.

That said, it's rather dubious if actual soldiers were employed as guards in an arena. I know that's the common image, but there might have been rarely a need for guard duty at the games. After all gladiators were (almost) exclusively professionals with little interest in running away. If convicts were sent in, members of the gladiator schools could double-function as guards (and, of course, executioners) as well. In addition, most likely, as a private business every ludus had its staff of trainers, bouncers and the owner's bodyguards. These might have been either hired ex-soldiers or former gladiators who, upon their manumission, had become members of the lanista's household/patronage. [Here's some additional thought on that over at Roman Army Talk.]

Therefore, if you have to have guards, go for un- or lightly armoured types. Even soldiers had some kind of undress uniform, which was obviously worn on most occasions and consisted of just their military belts and sidearms. Or perhaps you could provide the models with gladiatorial equipment or outdated military items.

A final note: Most figure ranges are based on pictorial evidence from the late 2nd to 5th century AD. Therefore Middle Imperial or Late Roman ranges might be an unusual, yet "historically accurate" choice if you really want military-style guards.

[The Dozing Dragon]

Thanks for the posts ad ideas....still not sure which way to go. I look at it as similar to today's police at football matches - with the amount of potential for rioting (historical fact) the state would possibly be obliged to provide a reminder of military power - and ensure the owners paid for the privilege. The owner would have their own guards as well. Also the thought of 'moonlighting' soldiers in their spare time.