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The Roman Gladiators. A Gladiator’s Life Types of Gladiators Circus Maximus and The Colosseum. A Gladiator’s Life. As Rome expands it comes into conflict with other cultures which leads to armed conflict Majority of those that become gladiators are because of conquest
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The Roman Gladiators A Gladiator’s Life Types of Gladiators Circus Maximus and The Colosseum
A Gladiator’s Life • As Rome expands it comes into conflict with other cultures which leads to armed conflict • Majority of those that become gladiators are because of conquest • The conquered were then escorted back to Rome where they would be sold in slave markets
A Gladiator’s Life • Sent to a ludus gladiatorious to be trained • Training was under the supervision of a lanista or “the butcher” • Abuse was common place and was both physical and psychological (whipping most common) • Day consisted of lifting weights and learning the art of death
A Gladiator’s Life • Common myth is that gladiators were only slaves • Majority were but they were criminals, debtors and those condemned to death • Trained according to one’s physical attributes or skills
Types of Gladiators • Samnite carried a sword, long shield and a visored helmet • Retarius carried a trident, used a net to snare and wore amour for his throwing arm • Myrmillo carried a dagger and a shield and was protected by leg bands and a leather belt
Types of Gladiators • At the coliseum gladiators fought first • Concerned about survival and what lanista will do if you do not perform well • After condemned are killed, animals hunted and criminal fights • Gladiators fight again in late day but it is to the death now
Types of Gladiators • Defeated gladiators could appeal for mercy but it was at the whim of the crowd • Death did not always come at the hands of one’s opponent • Men dressed as Roman gods would kill the loser in a variety of ways to add to the sensationalism of the event • Thumbs down did not mean death. It meant to spare the gladiator and a thumb up meant to kill him
Circus Maximus • Large outdoor arena that seated 200,000 people • Held chariot races • Chariot teams had fans who followed and cheered for their teams • Used by emperors to appease the poor with free bread and admission
Circus Maximus • Emperor Nero raced several times • Possessed no skill but people adored him • His behavior became irrational • used camels instead of horses • held night races • Began killing those who beat him • Declared himself champion at every race
Colosseum • Built by Emperor Vespasian and Titus 70-80 A.D. • Seated 45,000, had two large restroom areas, covered area, numbered seating based on class, and had supporting facilities nearby • Longest games were 123 days long
Colosseum • Exotic animals hunts, gladiatorial combat, executions, brutal plays, battle recreations and possibly naval battles with alligators entertained the crowds • Christians martyred still debated • Used as a social valve to control populace