Gladiator tales

Historian Guy de la Bédoyère reveals intriguing insights about gladiators and their influence on ancient Rome. He discusses how gladiators bolstered Julius Caesar's political rise and how Pompeii's riot in 59 AD led to a decade-long ban on the games. The evolution of these combat spectacles from Etruscan rites to political tools offers a glimpse into Roman culture. De la Bédoyère also uncovers the chaotic reign of Emperor Commodus, who blurred the lines between ruler and gladiator, showcasing the darker side of power.