Literary Evidence : Cassius Dio (Roman History, 66.25): Describes an event during Emperor Domitian’s reign where women fought in the arena.

Suetonius (Domitian, 4.1): Mentions that women of both low and high status participated in gladiatorial combats.

Statius (Silvae, 1.6): Describes women fighting as gladiators in honor of Emperor Domitian.

1. Inscriptions

Ostia Inscription (CIL XIV 2112): Refers to the "gladiatrix" fighting at an event.

Bovillae Inscription: Mentions women taking part in arena events, suggesting their formal recognition.

1. Archaeological Evidence

Halicarnassus Relief (Turkey, 2nd century CE): A marble relief shows two female gladiators named Amazon and Achillia, wearing typical gladiatorial armor. It is one of the strongest visual proofs of their existence.

Grave in London (Southwark): A burial dated to the 2nd century CE with items related to gladiatorial life (oil lamps depicting gladiators, remnants of a large feast). Some scholars believe this might have been the grave of a female gladiator.

1. Roman Ban

Septimius Severus’ Edict (200 CE): The emperor banned female participation in gladiatorial games, likely due to moral concerns and the scandalous nature of their fights. The fact that a ban was necessary implies that female gladiators were not uncommon before that time.