Contests in Context

Gladiatorial Inscriptions and Graffiti

Bibliographic Data

ID23443287
AuthorsAnne Hrychuk Kontokosta (New York University, corresponding author)
Year2021
Pages330-341
Publication date2021-10-13
Open AccessNo
TypeCHAPTER
VenueOxford Handbook Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199592081.013.38
OpenAlexW4200408338
ISBN9780199592081
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited12

Inscriptions, dating mostly to the second and third centuries ce, and graffiti offer first-hand perspectives on the lives of gladiators and the organization of Roman spectacles. Examples from throughout the Roman world elucidate how inscribed evidence can fundamentally alter our understanding of gladiatorial contests, related monuments, and key actors. This article focuses on a range of inscriptions associated with distinct groups who were involved in Roman gladiatorial competitions and discusses the types of data that can be acquired from each. Inscribed public and tomb monuments as well as extant edicta demonstrate the contributions of elite sponsors and their role in the patronage of the games. Stelae dedicated by gladiatorial familiae celebrate individual gladiators, their training, and successes over worthy opponents. Epigraphs on tombstones hint at the social realities and daily challenges of gladiators. Graffiti offers multivariate viewpoints on the lived experience of performers and audiences from all social ranks.

Archaeology · Context (archaeology) · American Sports and Literature · Historical and Literary Studies · History · Linguistic and Cultural Studies

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