Starring Anthony Hopkins and brought to you by Roland Emmerich, Those About to Die on Peacock is an epic historical drama series set in the complex and brutal world of ancient Rome's gladiatorial arenas. Based on the classic 1958 book by Daniel P. Mannix, the series explores the lives of the gladiators, their training, the political machinations of the Roman elite, and the intense spectacles that captivated the populace. The show promises to combine rich historical detail with gripping storytelling, offering viewers an immersive look into the perilous existence of those who fought for their lives and glory. With its high production values, compelling characters, and intricate plots, Those About to Die aims to capture the grandeur and brutality of Rome, bringing history vividly to life on the screen.
For our audience, are you aware that there were common styles of fighting? It wasn't simply do whatever you could to survive, many gladiators came from specific lineages of technical training.
Roman gladiators trained in various fighting styles, each tailored to specific types of combat and weaponry, reflecting the diversity of martial techniques in ancient Rome. We decided to highlight the styles avid martial artists might find particularly interesting:
Murmillo: These gladiators were heavily armored, often resembling Roman legionaries. They wielded a gladius (short sword) and a large rectangular shield (scutum). The Murmillo's fighting style focused on strong defensive techniques and powerful, precise strikes, emphasizing endurance and the ability to withstand prolonged combat.
Thraex (Thracian): The Thraex gladiators used a small, curved sword called a sica and a small rectangular or square shield. Their armor included a distinctive helmet with a griffin crest and greaves for leg protection. This style emphasized agility and quick, slashing attacks, relying on speed and the ability to exploit openings in an opponent's defense.
Retiarius: The Retiarius were lightly armored, equipped with a trident, a weighted net, and a dagger. Their fighting style was highly unconventional, focusing on evasion, entanglement, and long-range thrusts with the trident. This required a high degree of agility and tactical thinking, as the Retiarius aimed to trap and disable their opponents before delivering a decisive blow.
Secutor: Often paired against the Retiarius, the Secutor wore a smooth, rounded helmet to avoid getting caught in the net and carried a gladius and a large shield similar to the Murmillo. The Secutor's fighting style combined relentless pursuit with strong defensive capabilities, aiming to close the distance quickly and overpower the Retiarius with close-range combat.
Hoplomachus: These gladiators were inspired by Greek hoplites and used a spear and a short sword (gladius or pugio), along with a small, round shield. Their fighting style was versatile, incorporating both long-range thrusts with the spear and close-combat techniques with the sword, requiring skill in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
These styles illustrate the diversity and specialization of gladiatorial combat, each requiring distinct skills and strategies, much like different martial arts disciplines today.
See which ones you can spot in the new Peacock series!