Roman Gladiators
Roman Gladiators
A gladiator is a professional fighter in the amphitheaters of ancient Rome. Gladiator fights originated in Etruria as a funeral sacrifice to a deceased loved one. The first Roman gladiatorial fight occurred in 264 B.C. Julius Caesar even had over 300 pairs of gladiators on one occasion. This caused the senate to limit the number of pairs allowed to duel. The largest number of gladiators at one time was over 5000 pairs by the emperor Trajan in AD 107 for a victory celebration.
Who Were Gladiators
Mostly males
Slaves
Condemned criminals
Prisoners of war
Christians
Training of a Gladiator
Gladiators were trained in schools called Ludi, where they were watched constantly to prevent them from committing suicide. They trained all day long with much discipline.
Weapons of the Gladiators
Oblong shield
Visored helmet
2 foot long stabbing sword
Small round shield called a buckler
Short sword called a sica
Net
3 pronged shield called a trident
The Revolt of Spartacus
Led an army revolt from 73 to 71 B.C
Rebeled in the town of Capula
Led 70,000 slaves to revolt
Spartacus was killed by crucifixion when he was caught
Successful Gladiator
Could be releived from further obligation
Poets would praise them
portraits would be painted on pots and gems
The Fight
Gladiators would come out and say, "Hail Caeser, hose who are about to die, salute you"
Kinds of Gladiators
Mirmillones — heavily armed men, who wore helmets decorated with fish
Thracians — lightly armed men, who carried a shield and scimitar
Retiarii — men armed with only a net, a long trident and a dagger
Samnite — men armed with a sword, and protected by a visored helmet and oblong shield
Bestiarii — men who fought against wild animals
"Gladiator," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 97 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1996 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Made courtesy of
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Copyright © 2001 Michael Johnson. All Rights Reserved