MYRMILLONES were gladiators of a certain kind at Rome, who fought against the Retiarii. Their arms were a sword, head-piece, and shield. On the top of the head-piece they wore a fish embossed, called Morguozes, whence their name is by some supposed to be derived. The Retiarii, in their engagements, made use of a net, in which they endeavoured to entangle their adversaries; and sung during the fight, "Non te peto, piscem peto; quid me fugis, Galle?" "I aim not at thee, but I aim at thy fish; why dost thou shun me, O Gaul?" The Myrmillones were called Galli, because they wore Gallic armour. They were also named Scutatores. This kind of gladiators was suppressed by Caligula. See GLADIATORS, RETIARI, &c.
MYRMILLONES
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