That's one academic's theory about an enigmatic epitaph that has stumped historians for nearly 100 years. The epitaph is on the tombstone of a Roman gladiator who died about 1.800 years ago in what is now Turkey.
The tombstone depicts what could be the final scene in the life of a Roman gladiator, Diodorus, who died after a fight with Demetrius, another gladiator. The tombstone shows one gladiator holding two swords while the other gladiator is on the ground, holding up one hand as if in submission.
It is that last word that is the key, according to a Canadian professor, who believes that he has solved the mystery. The inscription on the tombstone reads ""After breaking my opponent Demetrius I did not kill him immediately. Fate and the cunning treachery of the summa rudis killed me."The summa rudis was the referee. The professor believes that the reference to the referee is a a suggestion that certain rules were not followed. In detail, a gladiator who has lost his sword can request submission; also, a gladiator who has fallen by accident can get up, pickup his sword, and keep on fighting.
The professor's theory is that the tombstone, which has been in the Brussels Musee du Cinquanternaire since the early 20th Century, depicts Diodorus holding two swords and Demetrius on the ground and that the referee allowed Demetrius to get back up, after he had fallen and Diodorus had grabbed his sword. The result was a reversal of fortune, as Demetrius then gained the upper hand and Diodorus paid with his life, either right then or later, as a result of the renewed struggle.
Even though the tombstone shows Diodorus in a strong position, holding both swords, the tombstone doesn't show the final part of the story, which would be quite the opposite of what is being depicted.
It's one man's theory, perhaps, and it's a bit convoluted. But if it can be corroborated, we can all rest easier, at least in gladiatorial terms, which is more than can be said for Diodorus.
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