Whatever the identity of Great Dover Street Woman is, it does not refute that after Domitian’s showcases, there was a huge increase in the popularity of gladiatrices. Indeed, they remained a staple part of arena entertainment for centuries to come. This was not a result in a relaxing of sexual stereotypes in the ancient world. Rather it was indicative that the mob required new and more diverse entertainments than the standard game fare could provide.

Gladiatrix participation in the games was extremely widespread, the number of becoming so alarming that eventually they were specifically outlawed by the Emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century, AD – some two hundred years after Nero’s initial introduction of women combatants to the arena.

It is unlikely that the gladiatrix met her end after this decree, as the gladiator did not meet his when the games were officially banned by Emperor Constantine in 325AD.

There is evidence that gladiatorial combat in the Roman style continued till at least 500AD, and probably thereafter, but by this time, the Dark Ages were drawing their veil over the pages of history, consigning Rome and her great games to the forgotten past.