Retiarius

Retiarii were unusual in that they were not derived from a military theme. Emerging in the middle of the 1st century AD, they used a trident (Fuscina, or Tridens) and dagger (Pugio) to attack. A weighted net in their right hand was used to ensnare their opponent, a Murmillo or more usually a Secutor. The shoulder guard (Galerus) allowed the gladiator some protection, and the left arm was padded or given a chainmail sleeve. In fact the Galerus fell into disuse in the late empire to be replaced entirely with a chainmail shirt (Manica). The agile fighting style would not have endeared them to the audience since they retreated as much as attacked, but this was sometimes countered by a crafty owner (Lanista) who frequently put the most handsome gladiators as Retiarii.