Ancient Gladiator Knife Handle Unveiled

A 2,000-year-old Roman knife handle shaped like a gladiator will be publicly displayed for the first time by English Heritage. Discovered in 1997 in River Tyne near Hadrian's Wall, the handle depicts a left-handed secutor gladiator. It reflects the celebrity culture of gladiators in ancient Rome.

English Heritage has announced the public debut of a 2,000-year-old Roman knife handle shaped like a gladiator. The artifact was uncovered in 1997 from the River Tyne near Hadrian's Wall in northern England.

This unusual find, depicting a left-handed secutor—a class known for wielding a short sword and heavy shield—offers insight into the celebrity culture surrounding gladiators in ancient Rome. The left-handed portrayal is intriguing, given the Roman superstition linking left-handedness with malice.

Donated recently to English Heritage, the knife handle is part of a folding knife likely prized as a souvenir. It will be showcased at the Corbridge Roman site in 2025, coinciding with renewed interest from the Gladiator film sequel.

(With inputs from agencies.)