The Roman Gladiators A Gladiators Life Types of Gladiators Circus Maximus and The Colosseum.

The Roman Gladiators

A Gladiator’s LifeTypes of Gladiators

Circus Maximus and The Colosseum

A Gladiator’s Life As Rome expands it comes

into conflict with other cultures which leads to armed conflict

Majority of those that become gladiators are because of conquest

The conquered were then escorted back to Rome where they would be sold in slave markets

A Gladiator’s Life Sent to a ludus

gladiatorious to be trained Training was under the

supervision of a lanista or “the butcher”

Abuse was common place and was both physical and psychological (whipping most common)

Day consisted of lifting weights and learning the art of death

A Gladiator’s Life Common myth is that

gladiators were only slaves

Majority were but they were criminals, debtors and those condemned to death

Trained according to one’s physical attributes or skills

Types of Gladiators Samnite carried a sword,

long shield and a visored helmet

Retarius carried a trident, used a net to snare and wore amour for his throwing arm

Myrmillo carried a dagger and a shield and was protected by leg bands and a leather belt

Types of Gladiators At the coliseum gladiators

fought first Concerned about survival

and what lanista will do if you do not perform well

After condemned are killed, animals hunted and criminal fights

Gladiators fight again in late day but it is to the death now

Types of Gladiators Defeated gladiators could

appeal for mercy but it was at the whim of the crowd

Death did not always come at the hands of one’s opponent

Men dressed as Roman gods would kill the loser in a variety of ways to add to the sensationalism of the event

Thumbs down did not mean death. It meant to spare the gladiator and a thumb up meant to kill him

Circus Maximus Large outdoor arena

that seated 200,000 people

Held chariot races Chariot teams had

fans who followed and cheered for their teams

Used by emperors to appease the poor with free bread and admission

Circus Maximus Emperor Nero raced

several times Possessed no skill but

people adored him His behavior became

irrational used camels instead of

horses held night races Began killing those who

beat him Declared himself

champion at every race

Colosseum Built by Emperor

Vespasian and Titus 70-80 A.D.

Seated 45,000, had two large restroom areas, covered area, numbered seating based on class, and had supporting facilities nearby

Longest games were 123 days long

Colosseum Exotic animals hunts,

gladiatorial combat, executions, brutal plays, battle recreations and possibly naval battles with alligators entertained the crowds

Christians martyred still debated

Used as a social valve to control populace