Noxii

By Crusader1307

The term ''Noxii'' is a known Ancient Roman title, most associated with the ''lowliest'' of Slaves (in particular failures within a Gladatorial School). The root of Noxii would translate to the modern English term ''Noxious'' (meaning disgusting or foul). In Republican Rome, Noxii were Gladiator Slaves who (for a myriad of reasons), were failures (incapable of learning the fighting arts). Roman Lanestri (Gladiator Owners), always being aware of cost - would collect those Noxi and sell them as offerings to Arena Games. These Slaves would be chained together and marched into the center of an Arena to the delight of Spectators. Next, as a means of ''whipping up the Crowd'', an Arena Guard, selected Soldier or even a Champion Gladiator, would move down the line of Noxii - brutally hacking and killing them. Later, by Imperial Roman Society - Noxii were also a term which applied to ANY Slave ''transgressor'' or Criminal. Being a Runaway Slave could merit such a brutal death, as did Theft or Rape. Roman Citizens, regardless of their transgression were seldom subjected to the spectator death of a Noxii - but it did occur (rarely).