Ancient Roman terra sigillata fragment showing Gladiatoral scene, Venatio combat

Large Ancient Roman terra sigillata or samian ware fragment with an arena scene (venatio) below a decorated ovolo border. The relief depicts a lion charging a shield-bearing and helmeted Gladiator (venator or bestiarius). The lion is standing or trampling a fallen figure lying on the ground below, part of a second fallen combatant is visible at the bottom right. Gladiatorial scenes on terra sigillata bowls are very rare.

Size: ± 10,5 x 10,5 cm

Condition: reassembled from three joining fragments with visible fracture lines. The principal relief scene and decorative border remain clearly visible.