cestus
Ancient fighting glove
A cestus is an ancient boxing glove—leather straps wound around the hands and forearms, often weighted with metal or studded with spikes.
Roman gladiators wore them, and fights could be fatal.
The word also names the girdle of Venus in classical mythology, said to inspire love and desire in whoever beheld its wearer.
Art of fighting with fists
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- sparringPractice combat training
- boutLimited stretch of something
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
jab · hook · uppercut · ring · fist · knuckles · punch · brawler
Flavian arena in Rome
- PompeiiVolcano-buried Roman city
- AugustusRome's inaugural emperor
- gladiatorAncient Roman arena combatant
- legionGreat number, or soldiers
centurion · toga · forum · emperor · patrician · plebeian · amphitheater · martial
Body-shaping undergarment
- cinctureEncircling band or belt
- AphroditeGreek goddess of love
- VenusLove goddess, or planet
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
enchantment · desire · love · marriage · adornment · goddess · charm · allure
Tanned animal skin
- hideConceal or pelt
- rawhideUntanned animal skin
- thongsNarrow-strapped footwear or underwear
- strapsNarrow securing bands
studs · spikes · metal · iron · bronze · lead · weighted · wrapped
Legendary Greek strongman
- PolluxImmortal Dioscurus twin
- AeneidRoman founding epic
- VirgilClassical epic poet
- funeral gamesAthletic events honoring deceased
Olympia · athlete · victor · wreath · gymnasium · Apollonius
pugilism
Art of fighting with fists
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- sparringPractice combat training
- boutLimited stretch of something
knockout · jab · hook · uppercut · ring · fist · knuckles · punch · brawler · slugger
Colosseum
Flavian arena in Rome
- PompeiiVolcano-buried Roman city
- AugustusRome's inaugural emperor
- gladiatorAncient Roman arena combatant
legion · centurion · toga · forum · emperor · patrician · plebeian · amphitheater · martial · spectacle
girdle
Body-shaping undergarment
magic · enchantment · desire · love · marriage · adornment · goddess · charm · allure · seduction
leather
Tanned animal skin
straps · studs · spikes · metal · iron · bronze · lead · weighted · wrapped · bound
Hercules
Legendary Greek strongman
funeral games · Olympia · athlete · victor · wreath · gymnasium · Apollonius
arena
Venue for contests
cestusdefensive gear
Equipment providing bodily protection
protective equipment · headgear · guard · shield · armor