Gladiator Fencing

[odiseo]

Is there any book or manual about historical fencing developed by gladiators? I mean one written for contemporaneus people not just an actual recreation

[jvrjenivs]

First, I think fencing is a totally other art of fighting, but that's what the term means now-a-days here in Holland. There are no written accounts on gladiator fighting techniques, as you could find them from for example the Renaissance.

The only books about roman gladiator combat techniques I know are from Dario Battaglia, of the Ars Demicande gladiator group from Italy.

[Sean Manning]

Magnus, fencing means any rational system of sword-fighting, although in recent centuries practicioners of modern sport fencing have tried to define what they do as the only true martial art (at least, the only true European martial art). This was due to a mixture of arrogance and ignorance.

Unfortunately, the earliest martial arts manual that I know of is Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33 ("One thirty three") from the late 13th century. It teaches medieval sword-and-buckler play. From then on we have increasingly good information about European sword styles, less about military ones like spear-and-shield or halberd. For the ancient period, we have to piece together information on pots and chance descriptions in writing with knowledge of later martial arts to create anything like an ancient martial art.

[garrelt]

No manuals/books about the used techniques that i know of.
Maybe you can find some info in the topics:

http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=16002
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=21329

Or in the rest of the part about Ancient combat sports.

Enjoy

[Medusa Gladiatrix]

In contrary to the Medieval time there is no book from Antiquity telling about fighting techniques, neither of gladiators nor soldiers. The only source which mentiones the basic training of legionaries are the Epitoma Rei by Vegetius. Scholars like Junkelmann assume that the basic training of gladiators would be similar.

[Titus Cincinnatus]

.....The only books about roman gladiator combat techniques I know are from Dario Battaglia, of the Ars Demicande gladiator group from Italy.

I've a copy of ArsDimicandi book "Retiarius vs Secutor/Scissor" and I liked very much. I've found it very useful and I use it very often for my comic project about the gladiatorial world.

I know the guys of ArsDimicandi and Dario Battaglia too, the president, and I know the amount of job, research and studies for this book.
As you've said, we have no original books from the Ancients about gladiator fencing and the only source are pictures, frescoes and reliefs. And you have to understand them! And when those sources didn't help you or, after a deep examination, you have to try what you have learned or supposed in the field, on your skin.
Take a look of their videos in ArsDimicandi webpage and you'll understand what I mean.

Maybe they made some errors but who would not in a so dark subject?

I don't know if there is an english or german edition but there are a lot of drawings and pictures helping the ones who want to learn.

[jvrjenivs]

.....The only books about roman gladiator combat techniques I know are from Dario Battaglia, of the Ars Demicande gladiator group from Italy.

I've a copy of ArsDimicandi book "Retiarius vs Secutor/Scissor" and I liked very much. I've found it very useful and I use it very often for my comic project about the gladiatorial world.

I know the guys of ArsDimicandi and Dario Battaglia too, the president, and I know the amount of job, research and studies for this book.
As you've said, we have no original books from the Ancients about gladiator fencing and the only source are pictures, frescoes and reliefs. And you have to understand them! And when those sources didn't help you or, after a deep examination, you have to try what you have learned or supposed in the field, on your skin.
Take a look of their videos in ArsDimicandi webpage and you'll understand what I mean.

Maybe they made some errors but who would not in a so dark subject?

I don't know if there is an english or german edition but there are a lot of drawings and pictures helping the ones who want to learn.

That's indeed a very good book, but hard (if not impossible) to get. I've looked in it once, and it was on my whish-list imidiatelly, even as I don't know Italian at all, but I still didn't find me a copy.

[Titus Cincinnatus]

That's indeed a very good book, but hard (if not impossible) to get. I've looked in it once, and it was on my whish-list imidiatelly, even as I don't know Italian at all, but I still didn't find me a copy.

I've asked to the Military Library, a military/history oriented bookshop in Milan, if they have some copies remaining. I'm waiting for the answer.

If not, I am going to speak with ArsDimicandi president next week and I'll ask if he could help you.

They printed few copies because the book was the first of ArsDimicandi publications and it was almost totally self financed. That the reason of the difficulties to find.

Vale

[martijn.wijnhoven]

Titus,

I am also interested in this book. Could you inquire if they have two?

Regards,

Martijn

[Titus Cincinnatus]

I'll ask. No problem.

Vale.

[jvrjenivs]

I talked about this one with Dario before, and he told me:

Dear jurjen draaisma.
Unfortunately the book "Retiarius vs Secutor" it has been
exhausted since 2003. I hope in 2009 to be able to publish
the whole necklace of books on the gladiatura, that also
contemplates this book that you have asked me.
Kindest regards

Dario Battaglia

So I guess he don't have them available, but hopefully next year it will become available again. But if you figure out to get me a copy I would be very happy

[martijn.wijnhoven]

I'll ask. No problem.

Vale.

Although chances are looking slim, I would really appreaciate this.

Grazie molto.

Martijn

[Titus Cincinnatus]

Sorry, but I've bad news, guys.

All the libraries, historic/military oriented, told me, as Dario wrote to Jurjenus and to me some time ago, that the book about Retiarius vs Secutor fencing is exhausted.

Sorry, but I think the only way is to wait for next year......

Valete.

[jvrjenivs]

Okay, no problem, I'll wait for the new release. Anyway, many thanks for asking around. Laudes added!

[martijn.wijnhoven]

Same here. Thank you for the taking the trouble.

Regards,

Martijn