Thraex

Spartacus as a Thraex.

Thraex is a gladiator fighting style representing the Thracian enemies of Rome. The style was adopted sometime around 200 BC as a replacement for the Gallus style, when Gaul became part of the Roman Empire thus making it 'politically incorrect' to portray allies as enemies.

Equipment

The Thraex is armed with:

• Sica: A curved thrusting sword.
• Parmula: A rectangular shield, half the size of the scutum.
• Manica: Cotton or metal segments tied onto the striking arm for protection.
• Griffin Helmet: A helmet with a small griffin on the top, resembling a Thracian deity.

Style

The Thraex fighting style was suited for men who had long and toned bodies, resembling the tall and slender Thracian warrior. They fight with a fast paced and agile style that well matches the slower but heavily armored Murmillo.

The smaller parmula shield allows for the Thraex to move at a greater speed than an opponent carrying the larger scutum, while still remaining protected.

The sica sword allows that hook onto an enemy's shield and pull it out of the way, to then thrust at their opponent's exposed body.

The arm guard worn on the striking arm allows the Thraex to attack without worrying about losing that arm.

Traditional Opponents

Murmillo vs Thraex. Long time rivals.

The Thraex fought against the enemies of Thrace for re-enactments of their rivalries.

• Murmillo
• Hoplomachus

Trivia

• All Thraex in the show have been played by the smallest men in the show.
• Historically, the Thraex style was a popular choice for tall and agile men. In York, a 174cm and possibly 70kg Egyptian soldier fought as a Thraex.
• The Thraex style was created as a rivaling opponent for the Murmillo style. Murmillos rely on Endurance while Thraex rely on Agility.
• According to Ancient Graffiti, the men who fought as Thraex were the most popular among the Woman spectators. Incidentally, the Male spectators favored Murmillo Gladiators further igniting the rivalry between the two.
• Historically, it was forbidden for a Gladiator to train in a style modelled on their own culture, as a way to avoid stirring up their national pride. Thus, Thracians like Spartacus, and another Thracian Gladiator Drapaes, would not have fought in the style of Thraex. Similarly, Auctus, a Greek born Gladiator, would not have been trained as a Hoplomachus.

Known Thraex

Ashur	Drapaes	Gnaeus (Former)	Pericles	Spartacus (Former)