A brief history on the Roman Gladiators of the Colosseum

Picture yourself transported to ancient Rome, where the blood-soaked sands of the arena tell the stories of gladiators who fought for their lives. These mighty warriors have inspired legendary films like Ridley Scott’s Gladiator and Stanley Kubrick’s timeless Spartacus. But who were these ancient fighters and what made them the ultimate entertainers of their time?

According to ancient Roman historian Titus Livius, the first documented gladiatorial games took place in 264 BC, when Decimus Junius had gladiators fight to the death in order to honor his late father. The first official games took place in 105 BC and quickly became a popular form of entertainment for Rome’s elite during the Republican era. These dramatic contests showcased the Roman Empire’s might and demonstrated the emperor’s personal concern for the people’s welfare.

It wasn’t until 72 AD that Emperor Vespasian constructed the Flavian Amphitheatre, as the Colosseum was known at the time, to serve as a dedicated space for such events, suited with thoroughly-planned infrastructure to fit a number of different functions. Completed in just ten years, the colossal amphitheater in the heart of Rome could accommodate over 65,000 spectators. To mark its completion, Emperor Titus, Vespasian’s son and successor, held 100 days of continuous celebratory events, which included animal hunts, executions, music performances and, of course, gladiator battles. 

Who were the gladiators?

Most gladiators were enslaved people, criminals or prisoners of war, but some free citizens willingly joined for a chance at fame. These combatants originated from all over the Roman Empire and even women occasionally fought as gladiators. Although these warriors were revered in ancient Rome, often gaining fame and adoration from the public, they were low on the social hierarchy. Many perished in the arena, but a select few rose to fame, becoming celebrities in their own right and even leaving their mark on Roman history.

The most renowned gladiator of all was Spartacus, who was immortalized in the eponymous movie starring Kirk Douglas in 1960. A former Thracian soldier, Spartacus led a massive slave rebellion in the Third Servile War, along with his fellow Gallic gladiators Crixus and Oenomaus. Although the Roman Empire eventually defeated the rebel army, the heroic exploits of Spartacus and his gladiator followers inspired politics, philosophy and art. 

Many more gladiators attained legendary status over the centuries. Priscus and Verus were two of the Colosseum’s earliest stars, earning their freedom after an epic, hours-long duel that ended in a draw. Spiculus had become one of the most celebrated and beloved fighters during Nero’s reign. After being overthrown, the notorious emperor wanted the gladiator to kill him, but when Spiculus could not be found, Nero committed suicide.

One of the most infamous gladiators was Emperor Commodus, who ruled during the end of the Roman Empire’s golden era. The megalomaniacal Commodus was known for appearing in the Colosseum as a gladiator, sparking major controversy among Romans. Aside from the cruelty he exhibited in the arena, the emperor would also charge the city of Rome an exorbitant sum for each of his appearances.

How did the gladiators train and fight?

Contrary to their portrayal in movies and television series, gladiators were often well-built but not extremely muscular, maintaining a layer of fat for protection against superficial injuries. Their diet consisted primarily of barley and other simple carbs. They lived and trained in gladiator schools, such as the Ludus Magnus, connected to the Colosseum via underground tunnels. Their training regimens were harsh and methodical, focused on learning specific moves. In the arena, gladiators had distinct weapons, armor and fighting styles. 

Among the many different types was the iconic ‘Murillo,’ who sported a fish-crested helmet, wielding a large shield and a gladius. The ‘Thrax’ named after the Thracians, donned a griffin-decorated helmet, brandishing a curved sword and a smaller shield and was often pitted against an ‘hoplomachus,’ who was armed with a throwing spear, short sword and a round shield. The ‘retiarius’ or net fighters took a unique approach to combat, armed with a net and a trident. Essedarius gladiators, who became popular during Julius Caesar’s reign, rode into battle on chariots. 

On game day, crowds poured into the Colosseum through 80 entrance arches, filling the stands as they awaited the opening procession accompanied by trumpets and fanfare. Following this procession, the gladiators emerged, but their battles were reserved for the afternoon, after morning animal hunts and midday ludi meridiani events. These brutal but often highly choreographed duels were the Colosseum's most popular form of entertainment.

Gladiatorial bouts followed strict protocols and were overseen by a referee, often a retired gladiator, called a summa rudis. The fights were single combat and typically lasted 10-15 minutes, with various classes of gladiators matched against one another based on experience and ability. Fights usually ended in death or the defeated gladiator’s surrender. The winner received cash prizes, a palm of victory and occasionally a laurel wreath for exceptional performances. Those who consistently excelled could earn their freedom. The defeated fighters, however, faced possible execution, determined by the emperor and influenced by the crowd’s wishes.

As an entertainment center, the Colosseum hosted many more spectacular events. The staged naval battle, known as ‘naumachia,’ was among the most thrilling. These high-stakes events with real ships and combatants took place in artificial lakes and recreated the thrill of naval warfare. Naval events were rare and typically reserved for special occasions, such as Julius Caesar’s triumph in 46 BC. 

Why did the gladiator games end?

The age of the gladiator, however, came to an end during the 4th century CE. By this point, the Colosseum had suffered significant damage by fires and earthquakes, but crucially, the Roman Empire had experienced a series of financial, political and social issues. Christian Emperors generally opposed the concept of violent games, and in 435, Valentinian finally abolished them.

Nevertheless, the influence of gladiatorial games can be seen in various aspects of modern culture, from sports and entertainment to our fascination with ancient history. The visceral excitement of combat and the allure of fame and fortune continue to captivate audiences today, much as they did in ancient Rome. Modern sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling share some similarities with the gladiatorial contests of the past. 

Although rules and safety measures have been introduced to protect participants in these contemporary sports, the underlying appeal of watching skilled athletes compete in physical contests remains. Similarly, the celebrity status of top athletes and the commercialization of sports can be seen as a continuation of the ancient Roman tradition of idolizing successful gladiators. Crucially though, the study of gladiatorial games has contributed to our understanding of Roman history and archaeology. 

Research on the Colosseum and other arenas, as well as on the artifacts and inscriptions associated with the games, has revealed valuable information about the social, economic, and political dynamics of the Roman Empire. This knowledge helps us better comprehend the complex and fascinating civilization that dominated the Mediterranean world for centuries.