Roman Figure Pencil Topper - Pewter

Product Description: This Roman Figure pencil topper is made from lead-free pewter and is a 3D model of a Roman Gladiator with a shield and Gladius (short sword). It is supplied on a 13cm black wooden pencil with the inscription "AVE CAESAR MORITURI TE SALUTAMUS. Hail Caesar! We, who are about to die, salute you." printed on it in silver.

Information: Gladiators were both professional and amateur fighters in ancient Rome. They were generally condemned criminals, prisoners of war or slaves, but some were free men. They fought each other or against animals, usually to the death unless the life of the losing gladiator was spared by a vote of the audience.

The latin quote Ave Caesar, morituri te salutamus was reportedly first used by captives and criminals fated to die fighting during a mock naval encounter in the presence of the Emperor Claudius in 52 AD. It became one of the best known and most often cited of Roman customs. It was recognised as a customary salute of gladiators to the emperor.