The tiny copper gladiator, found in the river Tyne, is a remarkable 2,000-year-old artifact showcasing the cultural reach of Roman gladiators even in Britain.
This three-inch figure, believed to have been on a knife handle, highlights how gladiators became celebrities in the Roman Empire's far-flung outposts.
With armor and an elaborate shield, the figure's craftsmanship suggests it represented a specific individual, likely seen as unlucky due to its left-handedness.
The announcement of this exhibit coincides with the release of Gladiator II, underscoring the lasting cultural impact of gladiator mythology in contemporary media.
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