Home › Lanista

Lanista

The lanista (of Etruscan is the one who held the gladiatorial combat and taught them their art.

It was sometimes the owner of a band of gladiators, which he rented to people who gave shows of gladiators, but more usually it was the instructor and fencing master who was the state-owned companies. He often wore a rod (virga) considered as a mark of authority.

Gladiators therefore belong to a troupe (familia gladiatoria), led by lanista (coach).

The lanista was often a former gladiator, he was assisted by a doctor "teacher" who used the rudis, "wand or weapon training.