Which gladiator is known for being lightly armed?

The gladiator known for being lightly armed is the Retiarius. This type of gladiator typically carried minimal armor, primarily sporting a net (rete) and a trident (fuscina) as his main weapons. The Retiarius was distinct in the arena for his agility and speed, relying on his ability to maneuver quickly while throwing his net to entrap opponents, rather than engaging in direct melee combat like more heavily armed gladiators.

In contrast, the Hoplomachus was more heavily armed, similar to a Greek hoplite warrior, carrying a helmet, shield, and spear. The Samnite was also well-equipped with heavier armor and a shield, reflecting a more aggressive fighting style. The Thracian carried a curved sword and had some light armor, but he was still more heavily armed compared to the Retiarius. Thus, the uniqueness of the Retiarius lies in being the lightest armed gladiator, emphasizing finesse over brute strength in combat scenarios.