The terracotta lamp in the shape of a gladiator's helmet from the Viminacium amphitheatre

Abstract

The article discusses a terracotta lamp in the shape of a gladiator's helmet that was discovered inside the Viminacium amphitheatre. It was found near architectural structures probably devoted to a gladiatorial cult practice. The lamp is dated to the first quarter of the 2nd century AD, and it coincides with the period of the development of the city and the early use of the amphitheatre. The lamp's superb workmanship with precisely executed details suggests the lamp was an imported item. As the lamp was fragmented, we attempted to reconstruct it based on similar specimens. We believe that it represents a miniaturized helmet of a murmillo gladiator. We also tried to determine the manufacturing process and purpose of the lamp on the basis of its attributes and the context of discovery.