Maybe a stupid question about Roman Gladiators...
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DEL
A Fixture
Pedro it might be worth moving this up to the General section. I know it should be here but lots of the guys don't go near this area.
Like you I'd be interested in any info, particularly as to what flowers might have been thrown.
Derek
Like you I'd be interested in any info, particularly as to what flowers might have been thrown.
Derek
tonydawe
A Fixture
Pedro,
I'm no expert on Roman gladiators (If you want true experts visit the MedRom forum and seek the advice of Dr Mike) however I believe garlands of flowers were thrown to honour Gladiators in the arena. The practice of throwing flowers to honour the victorious Gladiator may be a tribute paid by the crowds to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Gladiator. Garlands of flowers were often thrown at the feet of victorious soldiers returning from successful campaigns, so it seems logical to assume the practice was repeated in the arena.
I'm no expert on Roman gladiators (If you want true experts visit the MedRom forum and seek the advice of Dr Mike) however I believe garlands of flowers were thrown to honour Gladiators in the arena. The practice of throwing flowers to honour the victorious Gladiator may be a tribute paid by the crowds to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Gladiator. Garlands of flowers were often thrown at the feet of victorious soldiers returning from successful campaigns, so it seems logical to assume the practice was repeated in the arena.
M
Mark S
Guest
I believe it was mostly Gladioli, and some historians think it may be the Gladiolus which gave gladiators there name!.....
I'm kidding of course it's generally accepted that they had pansies thrown at them...
I'm kidding of course it's generally accepted that they had pansies thrown at them...
Ron Tamburrini
A Fixture
I believe it was mostly Gladioli, and some historians think it may be the Gladiolus which gave gladiators there name!.....
I'm kidding of course it's generally accepted that they had pansies thrown at them...
Well mark that's a bit un PC
tonydawe
A Fixture
Ron,
I think Mark was thinking of Dame Edna when he made that remarkably un-PC comment. He can be forgiven
I think Mark was thinking of Dame Edna when he made that remarkably un-PC comment. He can be forgiven
Ron Tamburrini
A Fixture
Ron,
I think Mark was thinking of Dame Edna when he made that remarkably un-PC comment. He can be forgiven
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Tony I think Pansies mean the same thing here also Similar humourNot entirely impossible that flowers were thrown at victorious gladiators. The strewing of rose petals, in military triumphs, was certainly done. There was also a custom known as the festival of "rosaliae signorum" when the standards of the legions were decked with roses (I think this was done in May). Things like roses (or any cultivated flower) would have been a luxury item and to throw them away would have been a reflection of the esteem in which a gladiator was held - a case of conspicuous consumption.
I know that Dame Edna might turn in her grave at this, but the flower "gladioli" was named from the appearance of the leaves, which resemble the Roman Army's short stabbing sword - the gladiolus. The damn things (the flowers) are actually a member of the lily family (a totally useless piece of information). And yes, the name of the arena fighters was taken from the sword as well.
Mike Thomas
I know that Dame Edna might turn in her grave at this, but the flower "gladioli" was named from the appearance of the leaves, which resemble the Roman Army's short stabbing sword - the gladiolus. The damn things (the flowers) are actually a member of the lily family (a totally useless piece of information). And yes, the name of the arena fighters was taken from the sword as well.
Mike Thomas
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