Gladiator knife handle found in Tyne ‘reflects spread of Roman celebrity culture’

A spectacular silver knife handle in the shape of a gladiator’s helmet has been found during building work on a bridge over the River Tyne.

The handle, almost certainly dating from the 2nd century AD, was discovered in the mud of the river near Corbridge in Northumberland by workmen using a mechanical digger.

Archaeologists from the independent archaeology practice, Northern Archaeological Associates, were immediately called in to investigate.

Now, experts at the British Museum believe it may reflect the spread of Roman celebrity culture to the furthest reaches of the empire.

The silver handle is just under 3in (7.5cm) long and is decorated with an image of a gladiator’s helmet.

The helmet is crested with a griffin’s head, and there is a small loop at the back of the handle for attaching the blade.

Dr David Symons, curator of Roman Britain at the British Museum, said: “The gladiator handle is a very exciting find, and it’s one of the most remarkable Roman objects to have been found in Britain in recent years.”

“It’s a very rare and beautiful object, and it’s a testament to the skill of the Roman craftsmen who made it.”

“The fact that it was found in the Tyne suggests that it was probably lost by a Roman soldier or official who was traveling through the area.”

“It’s a reminder that the Roman Empire was a vast and cosmopolitan empire, and that its culture and influence spread to all corners of the world.”

The find has been hailed as a “significant” discovery by experts.

Dr Barbara Birley, a Roman historian and author of Hadrian’s Wall: The Biography of a Frontier, said: “This is a very exciting find, and it’s a reminder that the Roman Empire was a very sophisticated and cultured society.”

“The fact that this handle was found in the Tyne suggests that it was probably owned by a Roman soldier or official who was stationed in the area.”

“It’s a reminder that the Roman Empire was a global empire, and that its influence spread to all corners of the world.”

The knife handle is currently being conserved at the British Museum, and it will go on display there later this year.