Written by A’dia Norine

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“…But an end to the even strife was found:

equal they fought, equal they yielded.

To both Titus sent wooden swords and to both palms.

Thus valor and skill had their reward.

This has happened under no prince but you, Caesar:

two fought and both won.”

- Martial, Liber de Spectaculis, XXIX

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It was time.

It was time to fight. I looked at my sword and shield. I remained calmed, or at least I tried to. I couldn’t stop the heavy beating of my heart.

I waited. By my side was Priscus, a Celt and someone of great stature. He looked calm, unnerved by our impending fight. As he puffed his chest, he seemed to have more confidence than I did. Nevertheless, I was here to win. Today, we were rivals. We would fight against each other for Rome’s entertainment.

When summoned, Priscus and I walked to the arena from the dark corner. The coliseum encircled around us like an enormous cage. There, we saw over 50,000 spectators shouting and roaring from above, their faces and gestures looking down on us.  I held a breath. Shall one of us fall; we will not be spared - for Titus wanted blood.

Priscus only looked around, determined to win just as I was. If there was ever a chance to say something, now was the time. But I kept quiet and looked forward. We walked to the center of the arena. There I looked up the stand and saw the emperor with his wife. The roar of the crowd grew louder.

Titus, sitting with his wealthy ensemble, looked down on us with his manipulative smirk. The referee came by between Priscus and I as we recited our pledge to the emperor. Once finished, the referee moved away as he announced go. In a defense stance, I held my shield readily towards Priscus. We danced like cats, ready to pounce at any moment.

I studied his movements. Where will he attack first? A quick strike at my thigh came from his sword as I blocked it with my shield. He moved again, this time at my neck but again I blocked it. We slashed at each other, repeating our moves as we blocked each other’s attacks.

This went on for some time - attack and block as we drew out our battle. Suddenly, the referee interrupted us by Titus’ orders. It was announced that the battle would go on without our shields. I dropped my shield, as did Priscus. The referee moved away from us again so we could resume our fight.

I held my sword in defense, waiting for my opponent to strike first. Priscus came for my chest, but my sword blocked his upright. Our swords clashed until we withdrew and he came for me again. Everything came so fast. I aimed for his abdomen but I missed. I skipped back providing myself some room.

I went toward him, but he twirled around and struck my leg. I winced from the pain. I limped as blood dripped down. Continuing my stance, I readied myself for his next strike. Determined to not be hit again, I came at the offense. I slashed forward at him. When he stumbled, I took the opportunity to strike at his thigh and kicked his sword out of his hand. He stepped back.

I didn’t hesitate as I came for him again. Unexpectedly, he evaded my sword and he grabbed my hand, while kicking at my chest. I dropped down and my sword fell out of my hands. Priscus kicked my sword away from me.

I tried to regain my posture as Priscus was ready to pounce on top of me. I rolled around on the ground to get up. Putting my fists up, I exhaled. I stopped my opponent’s strike at my head, but one fist landed in my stomach. Placing my hand on my stomach, I jumped back. But I went at him again, and I struck his face.

We attacked with our fists, our legs, even our heads every chance we got. Our battle went on and on. I was beginning to wonder if there would be an end to this. When Priscus fell to his knees, I kicked his shoulder. I felt exhausted, but I couldn’t stop now.  For there can be only one victor.

Only one.

Priscus got up and charged at me. I came at him too. We both grabbed on to each other. We tried to grab the other’s head, arms, anything to finish this. We both wanted this to end.

But for the final time, the referee came between us. We stopped and together we turned to face Titus as he stood up and looked at us. I heard the chanting of the crowd becoming rhythmic. The spectators clapped their hands waiting the announcement of the victor.

Titus lifted both his hands up. Soon, the referee pulled up both mine and Priscus’ hands. We were both declared victor. Shaken in disbelief, I listened to the roaring applause. No one had to die; we were both able to keep our lives.

Priscus looked at the audience, just as relieved as I was.  We were bloodied and beat. Rome had a good show as the roar continued. We were given wooden swords along with palms in reward.

But most importantly, Priscus and I were given our freedom.                        

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Background:

The battle between Verus and Priscus in the 80 AD was the first gladiator fight in the famous Flavian Amphitheatre. It was during the reign of Emperor Titus. After the drawn-out battle, the emperor decided to give them both their freedom as a reward for a memorable fight.