Why did the gladiators fight in the coliseum?

Answer 1

Gladiators would fight because they were paid to fight. In Rome and other major cities of the empire, professional gladiators would be matched. Even if they were slaves, they still retained the money they earned. In the outlaying districts, such as army camps, prisoners of war were sometimes forced to fight, but they too, were paid with the promise of freedom if they won.

Answer 2

Most gladiators did not choose to fight. Gladiators usually were people who were nonfree subjects of the Roman government, such as convicted criminals, prisoners of war, or slaves. However, the Roman government, in order to de-emphasize this fact, presented the gladiators in such a manner that they, in the words of histoiran Carlin Barton, "transform[ed] what had originally been an involuntary act to a voluntary one, and so, at the very moment that [a gladiator] becomes a slave condemned to death, he becomes a free agent and a man with honor to uphold." And indeed, some lower-class citizens who were desperate for excitement and/or in need of cash did volunteer to become a gladiator in order to enjoy the monetary rewards, fame, and thrill of being a gladiator. However, this was not as common, since gladiators became infamis, or beneath the law, and could no longer retain citizenship. Sometimes, however, gladiators survived and even thrived, becoming bodyguards of trainers for new gladiators.

Answer 3

The gladiators fought basically because they were paid to fight. They were showmen, in a very dangerous sport. However the the rewards were big if a gladiator was good. He was paid well and enjoyed privileges. Gladiators have been described as the rock stars of the ancient world. If a slave, he could buy his freedom with his winnings.

Answer 4

That was their job, or sometimes their punishment. And they were condemned criminals, prisoners of war, or slaves bought for the purpose of the gladiatorial combat.