Verus (gladiator)

Verus (fl. late 1st century) was a well-known gladiator during the reigns of the Emperors Vespasian and Titus in the later part of the 1st century.^[1][2] His combat with Priscus was the highlight of the opening day of the games conducted by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre (later the Colosseum) in 80, and recorded in a laudatory poem by Martial — the only detailed description of a gladiatorial fight that has survived to the present day.^[3] Both gladiators were declared victors of the combat, and were awarded their freedom by the Emperor in a unique outcome.^[4][5][6]

Martial, Liber de Spectaculis, XXIX:

As Priscus and Verus each lengthened the contest, And for a long time the battle was equal on each side, Repeatedly loud shouts petitioned for the men to be released; But Titus followed his own law; — It was the law to fight with a shield until a finger was raised: — He did what was allowed, often gave dishes and gifts. But an end was found to the equal division: Equals to fight, equals to yield. Titus sent wooden swords to both and palms to both: Thus skillful courage received its prize. This took place under no prince except you, Titus: When two fought, both were the victor.

Cum traheret Priscus, traheret certamina Verus, esset et aequalis Mars utriusque diu, missio saepe uiris magno clamore petita est; sed Titus legi paruit ipse suae; — lex erat, ad digitum posita concurrere parma: — quod licuit, lances donaque saepe dedit. Inuentus tamen est finis discriminis aequi: pugnauere pares, subcubuere pares. Misit utrique rudes et palmas Caesar utrique: hoc pretium uirtus ingeniosa tulit. Contigit hoc nullo nisi te sub principe, Titus: cum duo pugnarent, uictor uterque fuit.

Notes

• The life and fate of Verus is the basis of the BBC documentary drama "Colosseum: Rome's Arena of Death" a.k.a. "Colosseum: A Gladiator's Story" (2003).