Thraex
The Thraex (pl. Thraeces), or Thracian, was a type of Roman gladiator, armed in the Thracian style with a small rectangular, square or circular shield called a parmula (about 60 x 65 cm) and a very short sword with a slightly curved blade called a sica (like a small version of the Dacian falx), intended to maim an opponent's unarmoured back. His other armour included armoured greaves, a protective belt above a loin cloth, and a helmet with a side plume, visor and high crest.
Murmillo (left) defeating a thraex (lying down) (Lamp, Louvre).
Hoplomachus (left) vs thraex (right) (Terracotta, British Museum).
He and the hoplomachus, with his Greek equipment, were usually pitted against the murmillo, armed like a legionary, mimicking the opposition between Roman soldiers and their various enemies.
References
- Bronze figurine of a gladiator - British Museum
- Terracotta figurine of 2 gladiators - British Museum
- E. Köhne and C. Ewigleben (eds.). Gladiators and Caesars: The Power of Spectacle in Ancient Rome. London: The British Museum Press, 2000.
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