Venator
Venator (Latin: venator) — a type of ancient Roman gladiator who specialized in show hunting of animals,but did not fight them in close combat,unlike bestiaries. Venators often performed tricks with animals: they put their hand in the lion's mouth,rode a camel with lions on a leash,and made an elephant walk on a tightrope (Seneca Ep. 85.41). Venators were not gladiators in the usual sense,but their performances were part of gladiatorial fights.
Image of a venator with a lion. Amphitheater "Emerita Augusta". National Museum of Roman Art,Merida. Late 1st century AD
Terracotta bas-relief with a venator or bestiary. The British Museum. 1-2 century ADVenationes
Venator performances belonged to venationes, animal spectacles that could stand alone or form part of a larger day of games. The audience saw not only the killing of a beast, but also displays of agility, training, exoticism and control over danger.
Difference from the Bestiarius
The bestiarius is more often associated with dangerous combat or punishment by beasts, while the venator stresses controlled hunting and performance. The distinction was not always absolute, but it helps read arena images: spear, net, leash, protective clothing and posture show the character of the scene.
Related topics
Literature
1. Thomas Wiedemann. Emperors and Gladiators. 2. Fik Meijer. The Gladiators: History’s Most Deadly Sport. 3. Alison Futrell. The Roman Games.
Interested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions. Reenactment
