Priscus And Verus: The Roman Gladiators Who Inaugurated The Colosseum
Public DomainA view inside the Colosseum during the 19th century.
Alongside Tetraites and Prudes is another famous fighting duo: Priscus and Verus.
Once the Colosseum was finished in 80 C.E., its completion was celebrated with a number of opening day games. Part of the celebrations were gladiatorial contests, one of which pitted Priscus against Verus.
Public DomainWhat some of the opening day games at the Colosseum may have consisted of.
Their battle was captured for eternity in a laudatory poem by the Roman poet Marcus Valerius Martialis, or Martial. The poet wrote that the two were so well matched that they fought for hours until, exhausted, they both dropped their weapons:
“As Priscus and Verus each drew out the contest
and the struggle between the pair long stood equal,
shouts loud and often sought discharge for the combatants.
But Titus obeyed his own law
(the law was that the bout go on without shield until a finger be raised).
What he could do, he did, often giving dishes and presents.
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, Titus:
two fought and both won.”
Emperor Titus was purportedly so impressed with their display that he granted both men their freedom.
