GLADIATOR and GLADIATRIX
Ludus Noxii is a subgroup of the Asatru Barbarians who provide various gladiator types for gladiator displays. The gladiator games put on throughout the Roman Empire were at their peak during the time period represented by our club (100BC to 200AD). Ludus Noxii is able to put on its own display but can also do so in conjunction with the NZ Gladiator School (NZGS).. Apart from gladiator displays we can also do displays of inter-tribal conflicts (eg between Germanic and Celtic members).
The gladiator types we specialise in are those not requiring a lot of expensive armour, such as dimachaerus (two weapon fighter), noxius ((barbarian prisoners, slaves and criminals) and gladiatrix (female gladiator). We also have available one specialised gladiator type, the eques (mounted gladiator). You can also choose to play other gladiator types.
To fight in the gladiator games you must be over 18 years of age, physically fit and willing to train. All of our fights are safe, choreographed and rehearsed.
There are also non-combat roles you can fill if you prefer not to fight in these displays.
Our experienced members can train you as a gladiator or gladiatrix or as a barbarian prisoner thrown into the arena. One of our members, Alexander Holloway, is a professional stunt-fight choreographer with a degree in stage combat training.
These displays are great fun. Unlike many displays in the pre-gunpowder re-enactment area, our displays are theatrical.
For information on the various gladiator types check out the Gladiator Kit Guide.
The gladiator types we specialise in are those not requiring a lot of expensive armour, such as dimachaerus (two weapon fighter), noxius ((barbarian prisoners, slaves and criminals) and gladiatrix (female gladiator). We also have available one specialised gladiator type, the eques (mounted gladiator). You can also choose to play other gladiator types.
To fight in the gladiator games you must be over 18 years of age, physically fit and willing to train. All of our fights are safe, choreographed and rehearsed.
There are also non-combat roles you can fill if you prefer not to fight in these displays.
Our experienced members can train you as a gladiator or gladiatrix or as a barbarian prisoner thrown into the arena. One of our members, Alexander Holloway, is a professional stunt-fight choreographer with a degree in stage combat training.
These displays are great fun. Unlike many displays in the pre-gunpowder re-enactment area, our displays are theatrical.
For information on the various gladiator types check out the Gladiator Kit Guide.
The Gladiatrix (Female Gladiator)
Not a lot is known about gladiatrix (pl. gladiatrices) and for this reason there is debate as to whether they were an exotic novelty or so commonplace that they needed little mention.
In 66 AD, Nero had Ethiopian women fight at a munus ("gift", "tribute") to impress King Tiridates of Armenia. Juvenal writes of "Mevia, hunting boars in the arena with spear in hand and breasts exposed." Petronius writes of a woman fighting from a chariot. A munus of 89 AD, during Domitian's reign, featured a battle between female gladiators and dwarfs. A relief from Halicarnassus depicts two female combatants "Amazon" and "Achillia"; their match ended in a draw. Female gladiators probably submitted to the same regulations and training as their male counterparts.
For more information on gladiatrices and how they are represented in our club see the Gladiatrix Kit Guide.
In 66 AD, Nero had Ethiopian women fight at a munus ("gift", "tribute") to impress King Tiridates of Armenia. Juvenal writes of "Mevia, hunting boars in the arena with spear in hand and breasts exposed." Petronius writes of a woman fighting from a chariot. A munus of 89 AD, during Domitian's reign, featured a battle between female gladiators and dwarfs. A relief from Halicarnassus depicts two female combatants "Amazon" and "Achillia"; their match ended in a draw. Female gladiators probably submitted to the same regulations and training as their male counterparts.
For more information on gladiatrices and how they are represented in our club see the Gladiatrix Kit Guide.