When did gladitor fights start?

Answer 1

They fought

because if they won enough times they would be free.

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Gladiators were not always slaves, therefore the idea that they only fought to be free is not necessarily true.

There may have been many reasons why people fought in gladiatorial combat other than slavery.

Contrary to popular belief,

• Most gladiators were paid through purses, donations from the crowd.
• Criminals notsentencedto death would choose to becomegladiatorsto avoid going to slave mines.
• Roman Nobles fought as gladiators for the money and fame.
• Some were hooked on the adrenalin rush and bravado and continued to be gladiators even after they were free.
• Some were slaves.

Contrary to popular belief (and more than one TV series) Roman gladiatorial battles were not free for alls. There was even a referee.