Gladiators (pairings)

[Elbows]

Heck yeah, this is what I needed.    Time to start compiling this all on a word document so I can keep it.

[cram]

H.M.Stanley You might be interested in this little hardback book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gladiator-Roman-Fighters-Unofficial-Manual/dp/0500051674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373578976&sr=8-1&keywords=gladiator+manual  Its main focus isn't on the types gladiators and their pairings, though that is covered. Its a look at the life of the gladiator in his 'career'. Anyway, the guys on here suggested it to me a couple of years back, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned an awful lot from it.

All the best, Marc.

[LeadAsbestos]

Yep, I've got that one. Great little book. The big Osprey is nice too.

[Elbows]

While I normally curse everything GW-related, their Gladiators book from Warhammer Historicals had some pretty good info...and then was immediately chopped when they closed up shop.  Shame as I was planning on buying it. 

[H.M.Stanley]

H.M.Stanley You might be interested in this little hardback book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gladiator-Roman-Fighters-Unofficial-Manual/dp/0500051674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373578976&sr=8-1&keywords=gladiator+manual  Its main focus isn't on the types gladiators and their pairings, though that is covered. Its a look at the life of the gladiator in his 'career'. Anyway, the guys on here suggested it to me a couple of years back, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned an awful lot from it.

All the best, Marc.

Thanks Marc,

Funny enough i've bought that book, it should be delivered any day

Best,

James

[cram]

The Warhammer Gladiator book is still available if you shop around. You can normally pick it up on ebay. Naturally for an out of print book, you can expect to have to pay quite a bit for it, normally between £40/£45 excluding P&P. It is a great book though in my opinion.

[Furt]

For anyone interested in the pairings, there is an excellent modern Youtube documentary entitled "Roman Colosseum - Unsolved History".

The pairings commentary begins at around 19:22 and is presented by Marcus Junkelmann, the current leading historian on all things gladiatorial.



It is this view of gladiatorial combat that I've based Blood on the Sands on.

[Elbows]

Great video - definitely interesting (and oddly...more what I'd seen).

I've just been enjoying the Spartacus show on TV and actually realizing how reasonably accurate it is (with regard to pairings, equipment, training, politics of the games etc.).  It's bloody, sexy, good fun.  

Thanks for the video though, saved it! 

[Mister Rab]

... and that's my final Classics lesson of the year sorted    Thanks, Furt.

[Furt]

... and that's my final Classics lesson of the year sorted    Thanks, Furt.

I live to serve sir... 

[Elbows]

So who would a Dimachaerus fight?  If they're "elevated" gladiators, would they just fight the usual...a Thraex or Myrmillo etc?

Also, could a provocator fight someone other than an opposing provocator?  I only ask because I have only one provocator model!  

PS: Do you think it's safe to assume a Laquearius could be substituted for a Retiarius in most cases?

[H.M.Stanley]

From the little i've read, a Dimachaerus would more than likely fight another Dimachaerus, a Provocator another Provocator and yes, a Laquearius is a less popular kind of Retiarus.

But - see WillieB's post (above) ...

[Furt]

For Blood on the Sands I have had to take a bit of "historical license" to make the pairings playable.

For e.g. a Provocator must fight a Provocator if an opponent is available, but should a "proper" opponent be unavailable there are a few unconventional pairings. So in a pinch a Provocator could be paired with a different opponent but will suffer in regards to winnings and fame etc gained after the fight.

In a campaign sense, it is hard to ensure the gladiators have historical pairings all the time.

So who would a Dimachaerus fight?  If they're "elevated" gladiators, would they just fight the usual...a Thraex or Myrmillo etc?

Also, could a provocator fight someone other than an opposing provocator?  I only ask because I have only one provocator model! 

PS: Do you think it's safe to assume a Laquearius could be substituted for a Retiarius in most cases?

I believe a Dimachaerus may have fought a Murmillo somewhere? 

Provocators wear the little breastplate, so theoretically pairing them with another type destroys the delicate balance between the armatura.

I believe the Lacqearius were known in the East, the "equivalent" of a Retiarius.

[Mad Doc Morris]

I'd say the Dimachaerus is a heavy type, by the look of it likely derived from the Murmillo. Hence I would send him against light classes like Hoplomachi or Thraeces. That said, from what little we know, he's a later addition anyway, when various sub-styles (as well as the Laquearius for instance) became accepted and pairings were mixed up a bit.
Provocatores seem to have been another set part of the 'show programme' like the charioteers or the riders who were meant to fight only their own kind (and all, confusingly, on foot).

[Elbows]

Gotcha...well I managed to fix up one of my Myrmillo figures with a chest plate so he is now a Provocator...so I'll at least have a pair.  I've only started reading the first of several Gladiator books I've ordered (used and cheap off amazon).  Already seeing some interesting information (even if most of it is based on speculation).  I'll post up anything interesting that I discover, though I'd imagine the majority of these books have been cited here.