Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Episode Summary Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Emma Southern, Author of A History of Ancient Rome and 21 Women
Episode Focus: The Presence and Perception of Female Gladiators in Ancient Rome

Introduction to Female Gladiators

In this episode of Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society, host Kate Lister delves into the intriguing and often overlooked history of female gladiators in ancient Rome. Setting the stage with an archaeological exploration in Turkey, Kate introduces listeners to the fascinating discovery of two female gladiator figures, Amazon and Aquila, featured in a marble relief inscription. This revelation piques the curiosity about the existence and lives of women who took to the gladiatorial arena, challenging the predominantly male narrative of Roman gladiators.

Quote:
Kate Lister [00:00]: “These are women gladiators. Amazon and Aquila are gladiators. But what do we know about the women that fought as gladiators?”

Historical Context of Gladiators

Kate provides a foundational understanding of gladiator history, tracing their origins back to pre-Roman funeral rites where combat was intended as both entertainment and a form of human sacrifice. Emma Southern elaborates on how the Romans inherited and amplified these practices, transforming them into grand spectacles divorced from their initial funerary context.

Quote:
Emma Southern [05:21]: “It comes from the only place you'd expect it to come from, which is obviously what you do at a funeral... just make people fight for your entertainment.”

Evidence of Female Gladiators

The discussion shifts to the evidence supporting the existence of female gladiators. Emma Southern highlights the scarcity of specific names and detailed records but emphasizes the multiple sources from various regions, including inscriptions, reliefs, and literary references that collectively affirm their presence. Notably, an inscription from Ostia marks the first recorded instance of women entering the arena, underscoring the novelty and significance of female gladiators in Roman society.

Quote:
Emma Southern [11:14]: “It isn't, no. That is the first evidence they have from that is a gloss from like the post-classical gloss from the medieval period where somebody invented the word gladiatrix.”

Cultural Attitudes and Misogyny

A significant portion of the episode explores the Roman societal attitudes towards women in the gladiatorial role. Emma Southern explains that female gladiators were viewed as a transgression of rigid gender norms, often treated as novelties rather than legitimate competitors. Their participation was typically met with satire and misogynistic disdain, reinforcing their marginal status within the gladiatorial hierarchy.

Quote:
Emma Southern [09:26]: “They are women wearing men's clothes, doing manly things in the same way that sex workers are having sex publicly and happily, which is not something that women are supposed to do.”

The London Gladiator Discovery

Kate and Emma discuss the controversial discovery of a female gladiator's burial site in London. The partially cremated skeleton adorned with gladiator-themed grave goods has sparked debates about whether the woman was a gladiator herself or an ardent supporter. While definitive conclusions remain elusive, Emma leans towards the interpretation that the woman was a passionate fan, drawing a parallel to modern individuals who memorialize their sports fandom in personal mementos.

Quote:
Emma Southern [26:20]: “I always go with the interpretation that I like the most and which... is a woman who just bloody loves the gladiators.”

Representation in Modern Media

The episode touches on the portrayal of female gladiators in contemporary media, such as Ridley Scott's Gladiator and upcoming films. Emma advocates for more accurate and respectful representations, envisioning female gladiators as serious athletes rather than hyper-sexualized figures.

Quote:
Emma Southern [33:55]: “I wouldn't. I would have women who took themselves very seriously and had to deal with the fact that nobody else did.”

Conclusion and Reflections

Kate and Emma reflect on the grim realities faced by female gladiators, who were likely either enslaved or compelled into the arena under duress. The episode underscores the rarity and exceptional nature of their existence within the broader context of Roman gladiatorial practices. Emma emphasizes the importance of recognizing these women not merely as curiosities but as significant participants in a male-dominated spectacle.

Quote:
Emma Southern [32:20]: “Yeah. At a state level, they don't really do gender transgression that often. So I'd be surprised if people were condemned to be... I suspect it's people who choose to do it and people who are just enslaved women who are particularly strong and are then chosen to be gladiators.”

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a discussion on the enduring legacy of gladiatorial combat and its cultural implications, both in ancient times and today. Kate encourages listeners to reflect on the societal norms that marginalized female gladiators and to appreciate the complex history of gender roles in Roman entertainment.

Quote:
Kate Lister [34:31]: “We could do that or just sit down and have some tea. But until we get to that, if people want to know more about you and your work, where can they find you? Not in the Coliseum.”

Additional Information

Guest Profile:
Emma Southern is an esteemed author specializing in ancient Rome, particularly focusing on the roles and lives of women in Roman society. Her work provides invaluable insights into the intersection of gender and power in historical contexts.

Further Listening:
Listeners are encouraged to explore related episodes and topics, such as the history of pubic hair and the secret lives of notable historical figures, broadening their understanding of sex, scandal, and societal norms throughout history.

Production Credits:
Edited by Tom Delagi, produced by Stuart Beckwith, and senior produced by Charlotte Long. Music by Epidemic Sound.

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