Pollice verso

Jean-Leon Gerome Pollice Verso

Pollice verso is a Latin phrase, meaning "with a turned thumb", that is used in the context of gladiatorial combat in Ancient Rome. It refers to the gesture or signal that Roman spectators would make to indicate their desire for the fate of a defeated gladiator. The common misconception is that a thumbs-up gesture signified mercy, while a thumbs-down meant death. However, historical evidence suggests that the actual signals used and their meanings were more complex and varied.

Origins and Meaning

The phrase "pollice verso" is derived from the writings of the Roman historian Suetonius, who used it in his biography of the Emperor Titus. It literally translates to "with a turned thumb", but the exact nature of the gesture and its interpretation remain subjects of debate among scholars. Some suggest that a turned thumb could have been a signal for mercy, while others argue it might have indicated a sword thrust, thus signaling a death blow.

Historical Context

Gladiatorial games were a key part of Ancient Roman culture, serving as entertainment and a means of displaying the power and generosity of the elite. Gladiators, who were often slaves, prisoners of war, or condemned criminals, fought in these games, sometimes to the death. The decision to spare a defeated gladiator was not only a matter of public entertainment but also a demonstration of the games' sponsor's power to grant life or death.

Depictions in Art and Modern Culture

The misconception of the thumbs-up and thumbs-down gestures has been perpetuated in modern culture, largely due to their depiction in art and cinema. The 19th-century painting "Pollice Verso" by Jean-Léon Gérôme, which shows a gladiatorial combat scene with a thumbs-down gesture, has had a significant influence on this misunderstanding. Similarly, movies such as Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" have used these gestures for dramatic effect, further embedding them in popular imagination.

Scholarly Interpretation

Scholars continue to debate the meaning and use of the pollice verso gesture in the context of gladiatorial games. The lack of clear evidence from ancient texts and the ambiguity of artistic depictions from the period leave room for interpretation. Some historians suggest that other gestures, such as waving a handkerchief or using a closed fist, might have been used to signal mercy or death.

Conclusion

While "pollice verso" remains a symbol of the life-and-death decisions in Roman gladiatorial combat, its exact meaning and the gestures associated with it are still subjects of historical inquiry. The phrase encapsulates the brutality and spectacle of the gladiatorial games, as well as the power dynamics of Ancient Roman society.