‘Startling’ new evidence reveals gladiators fought in Roman Britain

Latest analysis of vase found in Colchester in 1848 shows the vessel was a piece of sports memorabilia from an area of combat

Gladiator fights backed by roaring crowds in impressive-looking arenas have long inspired film-makers behind classics such as Gladiator and Spartacus. Now new research reveals for the first time that such a sporting spectacle took place in Britain in the late second century AD.

Crucial evidence has been discovered within a spectacular vase – decorated with a depiction of a gladiatorial combat – which was unearthed from a Roman grave in Colchester in 1848.