This marble relief from Halikarnassos (modern-day Turkey) is thought to be carved on the occasion of the ‘missio’ – or honourable release – of two female gladiators. They are wearing the same equipment as male gladiators, but no helmets. Likely the woman fighters, named as ‘Amazon’ and ‘Achilia’, had earned their freedom by giving a series of good performances.
According to several contemporary eye-witnesses, women also performed in the Roman arena. Women made up a part of the audience as well, though they had to sit separately from men, in the top rows at the back.
