Scissor
Scissor, Latin for a cutter, is a rare gladiatorial designation. It is often associated with the arbelas mentioned by Artemidorus in Oneirocritica II.32. Arbelas is Greek, not Latin; its proposed connection with a semicircular cobbler’s knife underlies a reconstruction hypothesis.
Some reliefs show a fighter with an unusual forearm device. Identifying that figure as a scissor or arbelas is not uncontroversial. A standard combination of mail, helmet and greaves, or a regular opponent, is not established as securely as for the murmillo or retiarius. Descriptions of wounds supposedly caused by the reconstructed weapon cannot substitute for source evidence.
The reconstructions shown here illustrate one interpretation. They must be distinguished from surviving ancient objects and explicitly identified images.
Tombstone bas-relief to Scissor Muron. Louvre Museum,Paris. 1-2 century AD
Scissor of Halicarnassus. Bodrum,Museum of Underwater Archaeology. 1-3 century AD
Scissor crescent-shaped wrist knife,reconstructionScissor's Equipment:
The following elements belong to a modern reconstruction hypothesis, not an established ancient standard.
- Gladiator Helmet Type II - Liner - Manica - Ocrea - Lorica Hamata,Lorica Musculata,Lorica squamata - Tunic - Balteus - Subligaculum - Gladius,Pugio
- Crescent-shaped wrist knife Footwear used in a modern performance is a practical adaptation, not a compulsory part of the ancient kit.
Related topics
- Gladiator
- Helmet
- Manica
- Ocrea
- Balteus
- Subligaculum
- Gladius
- Pugio
- Lorica Hamata
- Lorica Musculata
- Retiarius
- Secutor
Literature and sources
- Artemidorus. Oneirocritica, II.32.
- Michael Carter. Artemidorus and the arbelas Gladiator: bibliographic record
Relief of gladiatorial combat; the figures are interpreted as a dimachaerus and scissor. Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Turkey. 2nd–3rd centuries AD.Interested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
