Gladiator Knife Handle Found in Tyne River Near Hadrian’s Wall

 

A fascinating discovery has been made at Corbridge Roman Town, located along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England: a copper-alloy knife handle shaped like a gladiator. The handle, recovered from the Tyne River, depicts a fully armed secutor— a type of gladiator— wearing a helmet and holding a shield. His left hand is extended, likely once gripping a short sword. In gladiatorial contests, a secutor would often face off against a lightly armored retiarius, armed with a trident and a net.

Researchers from English Heritage believe that this figurine may represent a specific gladiator, potentially offering a glimpse into the personal branding of these fighters. Since the Romans regarded left-handedness as unlucky, some gladiators trained to fight with their left hand to gain a tactical edge. The discovery of such a rare and well-preserved piece of gladiator memorabilia in Britain is significant, as objects like these are seldom found in the region.

Frances McIntosh from English Heritage explained, “This beautifully made knife handle is a testament to how pervasive this celebrity culture was, reaching all the way to Hadrian’s Wall at the very edge of the Roman Empire.” The find provides a remarkable insight into the reach of gladiatorial fame and its impact even on distant Roman settlements. What do you think this discovery says about the influence of gladiators in Roman society, even on the farthest edges of the Empire?