Medusa

Age: 27

Birthplace: Germania

Fighting style: Provocatrix

History: Germanic warrior Swanhilde is a contract fighter, employed at the ludus of Hister in Capua. Fighting the provatrix "Medusa," Swandhilde's move to Rome came in the wake of Auriane's rebellion against the Roman Empire.

Swanhilde's tribe – the Cherusci – were not involved in the revolt, but the close proximity of Romans and what their civilisation could bring in terms of personal advancement and riches appealed to her.

Swanhilde, like Hildreth and Auriane herself, is a trained warrior – but she is a warrior without a war to fight. Knowing full well that victory in on the sands of the arena could enrich her in terms of both physical wealth and honour, she takes the step to cross the seas and sign on with Hister.

Tall and strong, Swanhilde is ideally built for the heavily armoured role of provocatrix and has never tasted defeat.

But the events set in motion by the arrival of Lysandra will see her face her greatest and deadliest challenge in the arena of Capua.