Cestus Collection

Boxer of Quirinal, also known as the Terme Boxer
Greek Art. Hellenistic. Boxer of Quirinal or the Terme Boxer. Bronze sculpture of the Hellenistic period (1st century B.C.). Boxer sitting at rest, with metal and leather dressings used for combat

Ancient Roman athletes boxing in leather gloves
Ancient Roman athletes boxing wearing a cestus (leather glove) on each hand

Roman Boxing W / Cestus
Detailed views of a Roman cestus, a leather glove used in ancient boxing

Classical musical instruments: lyres 1,2, plectrum 3, cithara 4, lute 5, percussion instruments 6,7,8,15, pan pipes 9
FLO4703350 Classical musical instruments: lyres 1,2, plectrum 3, cithara 4, lute 5, percussion instruments 6,7,8,15, pan pipes 9, rattlesnakes 11, tuba 12, flutes 10,14,18,19, triangle 16

Ancient boxing gloves or caestus
Boxing gloves or caestus, showing ways that Lottatori fighters bound their hands for combat. 1, 2, 3 from the Maffei Museum, and 4, 5 from an ancient urn in St. Stefano church, Piscinola

Roman boxing scene and three types of Cestus

Greek athletes and their tools
6340200 Greek athletes and their tools by Sasso, Giovanni Antonio (19th century); (add.info.: Greek athletes and their tools)

Classical musical instruments: lyres 1, 2, plectrum 3, cithara 4, lute 5, percussion instruments 6, 7, 8, 15, pan pipes 9, crotales 11, tuba 12, flutes 10, 14, 18, 19, triangle 16, cymbals 17

ROMANS BOXING
Romans box with the CESTUS, a leather glove

Pandora, whom the assembled Gods, endowed with all their gifts
1065278 Pandora, whom the assembled Gods, endowed with all their gifts... 1834 (oil on mahogany panel) by Howard, Henry (1769-1847); Courtesy of the Trustees of Sir John Soanes Museum

Cestus (engraving)
3634542 Cestus (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cestus. The cestus was the boxing-glove of the Romans)

Portrait of Annabella, Lady Blake as Juno Receiving the Cestus from Venus, c
824231 Portrait of Annabella, Lady Blake as Juno Receiving the Cestus from Venus, c.1769 (oil on canvas) by Reynolds, Joshua (1723-92); 237x146 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

4 ROMAN CESTI
Four versions of the Roman cestus, a leather glove used in ancient boxing. Date: ancient

ROMANS BOXING
Romans box with the CESTUS, a leather glove

Juno borrowing the Cestus from Venus, c1782. Artist: W Wynne Ryland
Juno borrowing the Cestus from Venus, c1782. In between the two goddesses stands Cupid

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The Cestus, also known as the Boxer of Quirinal or Terme Boxer, is a fascinating artifact from ancient Rome. It represents the sport of boxing in its early form, where athletes would engage in fierce battles wearing leather gloves called cestus. In ancient Roman times, boxing was a popular sport that showcased strength and skill. The cestus played a crucial role in this brutal yet captivating activity. These gloves were made of leather and often had metal studs or spikes embedded on them to maximize damage during punches. Similar to Greek athletes and their tools, Romans embraced the use as an essential part of their sporting culture. Just like classical musical instruments producing harmonious melodies, these gloves produced powerful blows that echoed through the arenas. A famous Roman boxing scene depicts three types being used by competitors with different techniques and strategies. This artwork showcases the diversity within this ancient sport and highlights the significance placed on these unique gloves. The story of Pandora comes to mind when discussing the cestus. In Greek mythology, she was endowed with all gifts by assembled gods - much like how boxers relied on their cesti for protection and victory in combat. Engravings depicting scenes involving cesti have been found throughout history, showcasing their importance even beyond sports. One such engraving portrays Annabella Lady Blake as Juno receiving the Cestus from Venus – symbolizing power bestowed upon individuals through these gloves. Today we can admire four preserved Roman cesti that serve as reminders of this intriguing era. These artifacts provide us with glimpses into an ancient world where Romans engaged in thrilling bouts inside grand arenas while wearing these remarkable pieces of equipment. So let's take a moment to appreciate not just the physicality but also the symbolism behind ROMANS BOXING with their trusty companions -the mighty Cesti.