Priscus (gladiator)

Priscus (gladiator)

Priscus (fl late 1st century AD) was a Roman gladiator of unknown origins. His combat with Verus 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. Specifically, this laudatory poem was included in Martial's work called the De spectaculis or Epigrammaton liber, which Martial wrote to honor and highlight all the events of Titus's games. Their fight was on the first day of the games and marked the beginning of the celebration. Both gladiators were declared victors of the combat, and were awarded their freedom by the Emperor in a unique outcome.

As Priscus and Verus each drew out the contest and the struggle between the pair long stood equal, shouts loud and often sought discharge for the combatants. But Titus obeyed his own law (the law was that the bout go on without shield until a finger be raised). What he could do, he did, often giving dishes and presents. But an end to the even strife was found: equal they fought, equal they yielded. To both Titus sent wooden swords and to both palms. Thus valor and skill had their reward. This has happened under no prince but you, Caesar: two fought and both won.