In the montage Gladiators, on view through mid-October, archaeologists from Italian museums collaborate with MARQ to ensure every piece is documented and placed with exceptional care. A strict protocol, supervised by the MARQ leadership and the museum’s team of archaeologists, guarantees the preservation and accurate presentation of each artifact.
140 reasons to explore the world of gladiators at MARQ
Earlier this morning, the First Vice President for Culture visited MARQ to observe the arrival of works slated for the exhibition and to oversee the installation in the three rooms dedicated to this temporary display. The presence signaled the importance of the project and the careful coordination underway to bring the narrative to life for visitors.
There is optimism about Alicante once again hosting a premier international exhibition that draws audiences from across the region and beyond. The timing also aligns with peak travel periods, offering a rich cultural draw for tourists.
During the tour, officials confirmed that the installation is progressing smoothly and that all preparations should be complete for the opening ceremony. Attendees are expected to include diplomatic representatives and curators of the show, highlighting the collaborative and international nature of the project.
Featured Pieces
The Gladiators exhibition follows a successful run dedicated to the Etruscans, which drew tens of thousands of visitors. It also nods to a recent delay in the arrival of terracotta soldiers from Xi’an, underscoring the challenges of curating ancient artifacts.
Among the standout items are four helmets associated with different gladiatorial roles, including a Thracian fighter and a Murmillo, as well as a Secutor and a Provocator. From the Pompeii Gladiator Barracks there are items such as a galerus and armor pieces, a net, a weapon assortment including an ax and leg guards, a pilum, and a gleaming gladius with an intricately wrought ivory handle.
Also on display are marble tomb inscriptions that shed light on the real gladiators, including Urbicus the Secutor and Quintus Sossius Albus the Murmillo, along with inscriptions tied to the ludus where gladiators trained and housed. The collection emphasizes both the individuals behind the shows and the training grounds that shaped their lives.
The exhibition will span three temporary MARQ rooms, organized into four thematic blocks. The first examines the origin and development of gladiatorial entertainment, exploring Munera and Venationes within their funerary and hunting contexts.
What did gladiators endure? The second block, the core of the exhibition, opens a window into daily life, training routines, and the diverse cast of gladiators, including their fighting techniques and battlefield roles.
The third block turns to the Colosseum and other Roman amphitheaters, focusing on the architectural feats that housed these public spectacles. The final section invites visitors to a typical arena day, from the preparations to the performance and its public reception.