Rare gladiator-shaped knife handle gives insight into Roman celebrity culture pancake swap bridge

A rare knife handle in the shape of a gladiator has been discovered at Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England, shining a new light on the celebrity status of the ancient Roman combatants.

The copper alloy knife handle depicts a class of gladiator known as a “secutor,” according to conservation charity English Heritage, which cares for the historic site where the artefact was found.

A rare knife handle in the shape of a gladiator has been discovered at Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England, shining a new light on the celebrity status of the ancient Roman combatants.

The copper alloy knife handle depicts a class of gladiator known as a “secutor,” according to conservation charity English Heritage, which cares for the historic site where the artefact was found.