144 Gladiator Helmet

Museum Description: Bronze Helmet of a Murmillo

Room: 69/Case: 20/Number: GR 1946.5-14.1

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:32

We can imagine how fearsome these contests would have been by looking at this artefact.  One account from Rome recounts that, to celebrate a military victory, Trajan organised a contest involving 10,000 gladiators and 11,000 animals.

Gladiatorial games were a barbaric form of bloody-thirsty contest.  They were very different from the Greek games with their focus on athletic ability.  They may have had their origin in false worship - the Bible records pagan priests cutting themselves to appease their gods, or to honour the dead.  Gladiatorial fights also started as part of funeral services.  From the time of Nero, Christians were subjected to these cruel contests either against humans or animals.  As Paul was teaching the Corinthian Christians, it is faith in a resurrection that can help us during the severest trials.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.