The gladiatorial battles in ancient Rome were terrifying and at the same time exciting action. Until now, with a shudder, we think about the warriors who entered the arena of the Colosseum and fought, overcoming pain, to the delight of the crowd. However, few people know that women competed on a par with men. The first in history was Gerardesca Manutius. In cruelty and skill in fighting, she surpassed many men: on her account there were 200 battles won.
Photo reconstruction of a female battle, the picture was taken at the beginning of the 20th century
The fate of Gerardeschi Manutius was not easy, it is difficult to imagine that a woman could endure such hardships. The fugitive slave Gherardesque was 28 years old when she joined the thousands-strong uprising of Spartacus. At first, the seductive black-haired beauty was content with the role of a courtesan, so she had the opportunity to follow with the army of Spartacus. However, soon a woman of strong character began to indulge not only in love pleasures, but also to master the martial art. Gradually she learned to handle the sword and learned the intricacies of hand-to-hand combat. Possessing a fearless and courageous character, she quickly took her place in the ranks, and took part in battles on an equal basis with men.
A fatal battle for the army of former slaves was the battle of Lucania in 71 BC. Then their forces were defeated, Spartacus was killed, and Gerardesca was captured by Crassus. The legendary commander ordered the execution of 6 thousand fugitive slaves, this fate awaited Gherardescu. The woman was already chained to the cross, but Crassus suddenly pardoned her and ordered the fearless warrior to be taken to his tent. In the morning, he announced a new decision: Gherardesca must take part in gladiator battles.
Photo reconstruction of a female battle, the picture was taken at the beginning of the 20th century
Truno suggests what Crassus was guided by when he sent Gherardescu to learn combat skills. Perhaps he understood that a competition with a woman would be much more profitable and would delight the crowd, but it is also likely that he tried to save the life of a slave in this way in the hope that she could eventually earn pardon from the Emperor.
Photo reconstruction of a female battle, the picture was taken at the beginning of the 20th century
Gherardeschi's training took very little time. Accustomed to fighting, she literally rushed to the arena to tear to pieces her opponent. Her first victim was a strong fighter Tracian, a few minutes after the start of the battle, Gerardesca thrust a scimitar into his body. The crowd went crazy every time a half-naked female warrior entered the arena. Each of her performances was enchanting, each victory was cruel and categorical. Success accompanied Gerardesca for 11 months, but one day, luck changed her. In a battle with two dwarfs, the experienced gladiator did not notice how one of her two rivals crept up from behind and hit her with a trident. Crouching in pain, as befits a real warrior, she lay down on the yellow sand with a raised finger of her left hand. It was a gesture that meant a request for clemency, but the heated crowd was eager for the ending, and that's it,what Gherardesca saw in the last minutes of her life were palms with fingers down.
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Photo reconstruction of a female battle, the picture was taken at the beginning of the 20th century
The body of Gerardesca, a fearless warrior, was torn to pieces and thrown into the basement. There, where the remains of all those who fell victims on that day rested. The love of the Roman crowd turned out to be changeable, Gerardesca evoked delight only as long as it won victories.
Photo reconstruction of a female battle, the picture was taken at the beginning of the 20th century
It is not surprising that after the battles of Gerardeschi, women's competitions gained unprecedented popularity in ancient Rome. A program was even developed for the preparation of gladiators, which included unbearably hard training with chains chained to the ankles, often women had to fight blindly or with one hand, or on their knees. The opponents were, as a rule, also women or dwarfs.
Female gladiators in ancient Rome, modern illustration
