Exempla antiqua

Classical and Medieval Latin examples for learners

Stantes missi

Medallion showing gladiatorial combat. Referee is shown with clenched fist, thumb facing downward.

Medallion. ca. 2nd-3rd c. AD.

From http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/gladiators/polliceverso.html

at the top of the medallion [Médaillon de Cavillargues] there is the inscription STANTES MISSI, “released standing,” signifying missio or release from the arena for the two combatants, who are identified by placards in the background as Xantus, victor in fifteen contests, and Eros, victor in sixteen. The medallion, which depicts a contest between a retiarius and a secutor, dates to the late second or early third century AD and is in the Musée Archéologique (Nîmes).

http://www.maquetland.com/article-phototheque/8858-vie-quotidienne-oscillum-terre-cuite-cavillargues-nimes

http://www.amphi-theatrum.de/1889.html

Familia gladiatoria pugnabit

CIL 4.1189

A(uli) Suetti Certi aedilis familia gladiatoria

pugnabit Pompeis pr(idie) K(alendas) Iunias.

Venatio et vela erunt.

By Roman Hands #19

Detail of fresco from the House of Anicetus (I, 3, 23), Pompeii, 1st c. CE, showing the awning pulled back. From http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/index14.html

Detail of fresco from the House of Anicetus (I, 3, 23), Pompeii, 1st c. CE, showing the awning pulled back. From http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/index14.html