9. Costumes Were Minimal
Female gladiators, known as gladiatrices, wore minimal attire during combat, similar to their male counterparts. Their typical ensemble included:
Subligaculum: A loincloth serving as the primary garment, providing mobility and comfort.
Arm and Leg Protection: Greaves and arm protectors (manica) to shield vital areas.
Weapons: Equipped with swords and shields, essential for their combat roles.
Notably, gladiatrices often fought without helmets, allowing spectators to clearly identify them as women. This choice not only emphasized their gender but also heightened the spectacle, drawing significant attention from the audience and challenging traditional Roman norms regarding female modesty (atlasobscura.com).
