The Ancients The Roman Gladiator
Jul 25, 2024
Gladiator expert Alexander Mariotti delves into the captivating world of Roman gladiators, covering their origins, lifestyle, training, and fate in the arena. Explore the social status, spectacle, and performances of these revered yet marginalized figures in ancient Rome.
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Modern Gladiators
- Alex Mariotti worked on a show with Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank fighting as gladiators.
- This experience, filmed in Austria, provided a visceral understanding of gladiatorial combat.
Gladiator Sources
- Literary sources on gladiators are limited, with snippets from poets like Martial.
- Archaeological evidence, like gladiator cemeteries, reveals more about their physical lives and high mortality.
Gladiator Identity
- Gladiators were not simply poor slaves fighting to the death, as often portrayed.
- They were skilled athletes, embodying Virtus, achieving stardom from humble beginnings.