The Greatest Roman Gladiator?

The greatest Roman gladiator?

Perhaps the greatest Gladiator of all time was in fact Syrian.

Flamma or (Flame) as he was called in the arena lived during the time of emperor Hadrian.

Forced to fight in the arena he defeated a previously unbeaten gladiator in his first fight.

Flamma was a secutor class of gladiator meaning that he used a shield and a short sword known as a gladius while wearing armour on only one side of his body. His common opponents were retiarii (lightly armed gladiators).

His origins are a bit of mystery but it is possible he began life as a soldier. One thing is for certain though. He was born to fight!.

It was not uncommon for an accomplished gladiator to attain their freedom and be awarded a rudis (a wooden sword).

However Flamma refused this honour 4 times, choosing to keep fighting. By the time of his death he had fought more than any other gladiator.

He was buried by fellow gladiators in Sicily and his gravestone reads.
“Flamma lived 30 years, fought 34 times, won 21 times, fought to a draw 9 times, and won reprieve 4 times.

[wenaldy]

You know you were a badass when your gravestone reads fight statistics 💀

[LiLTizzle]

Gladiators commonly fought to the draw of blood or a submission. It was rare that gladiators were demanded to fight to a kill, it was more likely a wound would get infected and take a life later on. If it makes anyone feel any better, they weren’t accustomed to watching murders every Thursday.

[BestMods]

For those asking how he died.
I will tell you...how he lived. -The Last Samurai

[AereForst]

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son. Husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

[hexit]

he was SO dope that they were FORCED to add his K/D to his gravestone

[franksloe]

I just love how in reality 30 fights is about as many as the most bad-ass gladiator would engage in. None of that "he beat a 100 men in a single duel" bs

[veskotalisman]

how did he die? who did he lose to if he died in arena?

[darianromero]

Just so people aren't confused here, gladiators didn't kill each other. In fact they were generally taken pretty good care of because let's be honest even in Rome slaves were expensive and not something you could just dispatch of every Friday night. They were more akin to like, WWE wrestlers today or actors. They usually only really nicked one another and the first one to draw blood normally one. Fights to the death were rare instances.
Edit: forgot to add that they also did "autograph signings" and "promotions". They would promote local businesses and such. They were basically just paid actors for life lol

[carloscoward]

Great warrior, after many centuries your name still rings strong

[balikpapankota]

I just love that helmet,
It's just so iconict for a gladiator like him

[beatnik]

These guys were famous and respected back then. They were like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson of their time.

[dah_goofster]

It’s a miracle he lived to 30 in his line of work. I cut myself chopping veggies and end up with a dam infection 🤣

[eddieful]

I thought syrian said saiyan for a sec and I was like “….no way”

[larryhoward]

You know what they say, live by the sword - die by the sword.

[treyday]

Dude's definitely got a spot in Valhalla

[trippiechris]

This guys armor is so iconic just about every phone gladiator game has his armor in it

[BGomez-tklu]

Lindybeige has a great video about gladiators. It's a long watch but it's super interesting, it sheds light on some of the most common myths and misconceptions about gladiator combats

[GamingKnight]

Love the video, learned something pretty cool today. Keep it up.

[selfdetermination]

Wow another piece of history add to my list. Impressive.

[jasonbarbee]

Buried by fellow gladiators....respect