Gladiator battles Gladiators often competed in one-on-one fighting and were partnered against different sorts who were thought to be complementing. Murmillos frequently battled Thracians, as well as Hoplomachus and Retiarius. Retiarius (net and trident wielders) were frequently pitted against gladiators with more conventional weapons. They are credited with creating some of the most dangerous weapons of the era. Battle scenes from this time show that gladiators used any sort of weapon they could get their hands on, from swords to spears to clubs. Sometimes they even used objects that would seem strange today such as sandals, toothbrushes or even hair brushes. Swords and knives were the most common weapons for a gladiator to use in battle. They usually fought in pairs, so they needed something to balance them out. Thus, many gladiators used a spear, because it allowed them to fight from a distance while being able to deliver a fatal blow with its tip if need be. On the other hand, someone who was skilled with a sword might want to stay close to his opponent at all times because a single strike with this weapon could be enough to end the battle. Sometimes gladiators used objects not really designed for combat but rather for humiliating their opponents. For example, one gladiator wore a net over his head and another threw dust or dirt in the air to distract the opponent.