Rare Roman boxing gloves found near Hadrian's Wall

Guardian ^ | Last modified on Wed 21 Feb 2018 | Dalya Alberge

[SunkenCiv]

Roman boxing gloves have been discovered near Hadrian's Wall, thought to be the only known surviving examples, even though the sport was well- documented on Roman wall paintings, mosaics and sculptures.

With a protective guard designed to fit snugly over the knuckles, the gloves were packed with natural material which acted as shock absorbers. They date from around AD120 and were certainly made to last: they still fit comfortably on a modern hand. One of them even retains the impression of the knuckles of its ancient wearer.

They are among the latest discoveries at a pre-Hadrianic Roman cavalry barrack, which was found last year beneath the fourth-century stone fort of Vindolanda, south of Hadrian's Wall near Hexham, Northumberland...

Archaeologists stumbled across the site by chance and were taken aback by extraordinary military and personal possessions left behind by the men and their families some 2,000 years ago. Other finds include complete swords, which are exceptionally rare, even across the north-west provinces of the Roman empire.

The finds are in a remarkable state of preservation because they were concealed beneath a concrete floor laid by the Romans about 30 years after the barracks was abandoned, shortly before 120. Oxygen-free conditions prevented materials such as wood and leather from decaying...

In the Roman army, boxing was practised to promote fighting skills and fitness, and included competitions with spectators. The gloves will be among finds from the barracks displayed at the Vindolanda site museum from Tuesday. Excavations resume in April.

[SunkenCiv]

Definitely. They tended to be ready for anything.

[tet68]

Probably christians... they made up the lions share.

[minnesota_bound]

#22 They made up the lion’s meal.... : )

[SunkenCiv]

(burp)