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he Murmillo or "fish man" was immediately recognizable from his helmet's high crest - similar to the shape of a fish. This gladiator is thought to have been derived from the dress and weapons of prisoners of war from conquered Gaul (corresponds roughly to present-day France, Switzerland, Belgium) who were made to fight as gladiators during the Roman Republic. His name taken from the Greek word for "fish," the Murmillo originally did battle with the Hoplomachus or Samnite gladiators, in a match designed to replicate the rivalry between Greece and Rome.
Later, he was paired with the Retarius, or "net man," who would try to catch this fishy gladiator with a net. The Murmillo was considered heavily armed only because of the large oblong shield that covered his legs. A manica or arm guard was standard and some mosaics depict the Murmillo with metal leg shields as well.
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