Roman Gladiators

Gladiators were often slaves or captured foreigners who filled a unique role in ancient Rome. Their job was to entertain large crowds of spectators by fighting brilliantly and, if needed, to kill (or die) well.

The first recorded gladiator games were introduced to Roman society in 264 B.C. by Marcus and Decimus Brutus. The brothers sponsored the event to honor their father. At the time, gladiator games were more about funeral rites than mass entertainment.

Over time, however, the games became less associated with funerals and more associated with brutal slayings. Some of the victims had virtually no chance to survive. As the crowds roared, the walking dead were easy prey to strong men and wild animals. It was not uncommon for an entire family to be killed.

Professional gladiators were trained in special schools. Most were located near the great arenas. During the time of the Caesars, the gladiator schools were controlled by the Emperor.

No one expected the Emperor himself to fight in the arena. No one, that is, except one of the Emperors himself - Commodus, son of the famous Marcus Aurelius.