A Praetorian cavalryman costume with shield and weapons, worn in Ridley Scott’s Academy Award winning epic Gladiator. Betrayed by his Emperor’s son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and sold into slavery, Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) finds his calling in the arena as a gladiator. But when a festival of games begins in Commodus’ honour, Maximus returns to Rome with thoughts of revenge for his lost Emperor and family.
This equipment and uniform was used by the elite horse-mounted guards of the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and Commodus. The Praetorian Guard were under the emperor’s direct command, being ordered by Commodus to execute Maximus in the forests of Germania and later seen in the arena as Commodus fights with Maximus to the death. Such equipment can be seen during the celebration of Maximus' victory in Germania and later in Rome during Commodus’ celebratory games.
The costume is composed of trousers and tunic made of purple wool, over which is worn a pair of leather boots, a set of plastic 'lorica segmentata' (segmented cuirass) body armour, a leather skirt with plastic armour plating, plastic greaves and bracers, a fibreglass helmet with plastic cheek plates, and an eagle crest and purple wool cape. The armour is finished in black, with leather strapping to secure the armour to the wearer.
Accompanying the armour is a shield, a pilum and a Praetorian infantry gladius. The shield is made of canvas with leather and wood grips and a plastic boss at the centre. The sword features a metal blade with wooden grips finished in black and a black scabbard with a sling allowing it to be carried at the side. The pilum is made of wood with copper detailing and a reinforced rubber spearhead, with an ornate carved grip, white ceremonial tassels and ornate copper discs applied. A copper band holds the rubber spearhead in place.
Well used on the production, the set remains in worn but very good production-used condition.
Please note: Due to the quantity of components for this costume, this item is classed as oversized for shipping purposes and will require a specialist shipping service with additional costs. Please contact us prior to purchasing to request a quote.