Discussion
Priscus and Verus' fight occurred on the first day of the games to celebrate the opening of the Colosseum. These games consisted mainly of gladiatorial fights, animal spectacles, and staged sea battles. These games helped to keep the Roman mobs happy, and helped to make Titus extremely popular by the end of his reign in 81 AD. Beginning with the time of Julius Caesar, gladiator fights were a tactic used to control the mobs of Rome. It satisfied their thirst for action and directed any frustration and pent-up energy.
Martial's recording of the battle between Priscus and Verus apparently showed a rare result. Usually, gladiatorial fights were only ended when one combatant raised a finger to signal defeat. However, surrender wasn’t the only way for a battle to end. Missio was a term used to denote when a fighter could be discharged from combat. This wasn’t a dismissal from service as a gladiator but a dismissal to return to training.
Missio occurred in two ways. One way this occurred was that one of the participants would essentially surrender but be given a reprieve. The other possibility was a draw. A draw could either be requested by the crowd or by the fighters themselves, usually with an unambiguous gesture like giving up one's sword to one's opponent. However, a draw was highly disdained.
The battle between Priscus and Verus had a highly unusual outcome in that both fighters were declared victors. This marked a triumphant opening to the games and showed Titus in a positive light. It shows Titus' fairness in keeping to the surrender rule to the end, and it also valorizes the disciplined, skilled, and brave gladiators.
Read more about this topic: Priscus (gladiator)
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