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Verus (Gladiator)Originally from Moesia, Verus was a slave who became a well-known gladiator during the reigns of the Emperors Vespasian and Titus in the latter part of the 1st century. His combat with his friend Priscus (Gladiator) was the highlight of the opening day of the games conducted by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80, and was recorded in a laudatory poem by Martial — the only detailed description of a gladiatorial fight that has survived to the present day. Both gladiators were declared victors of the combat, and were awarded their freedom by the Emperor in a unique outcome. Martial, Liber de Spectaculis, XXIX: And for a long time the battle was equal on each side,
Repeatedly loud shouts petitioned for the men to be released;
But Caesar followed his own law; —
It was the law to fight with shield until a finger was raised: —
He did what was allowed, often gave dishes and gifts.
But an end was found to the equal division:
Equals to fight, equals to yield.
Caesar sent wooden swords to both and palms to both:
Thus skillful courage received its prize.
This took place under no prince except you, Caesar:
When two fought, both were the victor.> um traheret Priscus, traheret certamina Verus,
esset et aequalis Mars utriusque diu,
missio saepe uiris magno clamore petita est;
sed Caesar legi paruit ipse suae; —
lex erat, ad digitum posita concurrere parma: —
quod licuit, lances donaque saepe dedit.
Inuentus tamen est finis discriminis aequi:
pugnauere pares, subcubuere pares.
Misit utrique rudes et palmas Caesar utrique:
hoc pretium uirtus ingeniosa tulit.
Contigit hoc nullo nisi te sub principe, Caesar:
cum duo pugnarent, uictor uterque fuit. |
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