The Roman Gladiators

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The Roman Gladiators

• A Gladiators Life
• Types of Gladiators
• Circus Maximus and The Colosseum

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A Gladiators 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

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A Gladiators 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

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A Gladiators Life

• Common myth is that gladiators were only slaves
• Majority were but they were criminals, debtors
  and those condemned to death
• Trained according to ones physical attributes or
  skills

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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

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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

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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 ones
  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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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