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EPISODE 31 Gladiators in Ancient Rome (Part 2): The Spirit of the Gladiator

History on Fire

CHAPTER

Gladiators: From Disreputable to Desirable

This chapter explores the fascination and attraction that some women, particularly from the nobility, had towards gladiators in ancient Rome. It discusses the anomaly of lower class entertainers being admired by higher classes and highlights various stories of Roman empresses and aristocratic women infatuated with gladiators. The chapter also mentions that some aristocratic men willingly chose to become gladiators themselves, attracted by the possibility of fame, fortune, and sexual encounters.

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