What was the symbol to kill someone during a gladiator fight?

Answer 1

In ancient Roman gladiator fights, the symbol used to indicate whether a defeated gladiator should be spared or killed was the raised thumb. The gesture of a thumb turned up or sideways typically signified mercy, while a thumb turned down (often interpreted as "pollice verso," meaning "with a turned thumb") indicated that the gladiator should be killed. However, the exact interpretation of these gestures is debated among historians. The audience's reaction and the editor's decision ultimately determined the gladiator's fate.