Gladiator knife handle found in Tyne ‘reflects spread of Roman celebrity culture’

Handle depicting secutor gladiator found on ‘edge of empire’ to go on display

A rare and pristine example of gladiator memorabilia found in the River Tyne is to go on display, shining light on a 2,000-year-old culture of celebrity and sex appeal.

English Heritage said the copper alloy figurine would have been a decorative handle on a folding knife. Found near Corbridge, Northumberland, it provides proof that the superstar status of gladiators extended to the far edges of the Roman empire.