Roman Gladiator Mosaic Found at Villa of
Commodus
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Roman
Gladiator Mosaic
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ROME - 04/29/2007 -Archaeologists have
found a 2,000 year old Roman gladiator mosaic while excavating
the ancient site of the magnificent Villa dei Quintili, home of
the infamous Roman emperor Commodus. The villa just south of
Rome featured a small amphitheatre where gladiators trained and
fought for the pleasure of the Roman emperor. The Roman
gladiator mosaic features a gladiator named Montanus who holds
a trident as he is declared victor after a gladiatorial
combat.
Commodus (AD 161 - AD 192) is well known for
his love of blood sports and often participated in the games
himself. It is Commodus who was featured in the 2004
blockbuster movie Gladiator as the despotic Roman
emperor. The Roman gladiator mosaic was dedicated to Montanus
who may have been one of the emperor's favorites. The emperor's
personal participation in the games was considered scandalous
by Roman high society.
Several hours after the publication of the Roman gladiator
mosaic in the London Telegraph news, thieves attempted
to steal it from the site causing some small damage to the
Roman mosaic.
Brenda Harness, Art Historian
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