Murmillo

As the Gauls inhabiting Italy had become well integrated with the Romans by the time of the reign (27 BCE to 14 CE) of Augustus, it became undesirable to portray them as enemy outsiders;[dubious – discuss] the Gallus-class gladiator thus fell out of use.

A number of ancient authors, including Valerius Maximus and Quintillian, assert that he also regularly fought the retiarius.

[6]: 237–238 n14  However, Channel 4's Time Team discovered in Wales a carved penknife handle depicting a retiarius and a murmillo fighting.

[7] The murmillo's fighting style was suited for men with strong arms and shoulders due to carrying the weight of the shield, sword and heavy helmet.

The tower shield gave him an edge in defence and the gladius enabled him to thrust and swing at his enemies when in close range.

A murmillo defeating a thraex , depicted on a first- or second-century Roman canteen
Gladiator fighting a lion in the Colosseum
Modern re-enactment of a murmillo.
Combat between a Murmillo and a Samnite .