This Roman clasp-knife features an animal bone handle intricately carved with a scene of two gladiators in combat. Unearthed in Aventicum (modern-day Avenches, Switzerland), the handle vividly captures a match between two distinct classes of gladiators:

The secutor, heavily armed, is identifiable by his smooth, rounded helmet with small eye holes—designed to protect against the trident’s thrusts.

His opponent, the retiarius, is lightly armored, wearing a shoulder and arm guard (galerus) and typically wielding a net and trident.

This artifact is a rare and detailed glimpse into the popular blood sport of the Roman world and its diverse gladiatorial roles.