Gladiators: everything you wanted to know

In this enlightening discussion, historian Alison Futrell, an expert on ancient Rome and gladiators, unravels the allure of these arena fighters. Discover who became a gladiator and their surprising societal status as ancient pop stars. Futrell debunks myths like the infamous thumbs gesture and sheds light on the rare fatalities in combat. Explore the rich cultural significance of gladiatorial events, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to local arenas, and delve into the complexities of their lives, training, and the legends of resistance like Spartacus.