Ancient Rome, Gladiators

Colorized engraving of two gladiators after Giulio Romano by Master of the Die (flourished 1525-1560) an Italian engraver and printmaker. A gladiator was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their legal and social standing and their lives by appearing in the arena. Most were slaves, schooled under harsh conditions, socially marginalized, and segregated even in death. Gladiators offered spectators an example of Rome's martial ethics and, in fighting or dying well, they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Combatant Contests Entertainers Ethics Gladiator Gladiatorial Swordsman

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