Roman Gladiators

The rules of the gladiatorial contests varied. There was a senior referee, the summa rudis, and an assistant who had staffs (rudes) which were used to caution or separate opponents. These interventions were aimed at ensuring fair play. The referee could also pause the fight to for a rest. A winning gladiator who overwhelmed his opponent raised his index finger to ask what he was meant to do next (whether to spare or kill the gladiator who lost). A gladiator could acknowledge defeat by raising his index finger which signalled the summa rudis to stop the combat. He then cast aside his weapons, kneeled and raised his hand to ask for mercy. The referee would then refer this to the editor who was the producer of the fights. The editor made the final decision about the fate of gladiator. His decision usually rested on the wish of the spectators. A wounded gladiator laid down his shield and raised his left hand as a plea for mercy. When a gladiator went down the crowd often shouted Habet, Hoc habet! (He's had it!), and shouts of Mitte! (Let him go!) or Iugula! (Kill him!).

An editor could decide whether or not the fights were going to be ad digitum (lasting to the "the finger") which meant that they stopped when the defeated gladiator raised his finger. In the latter case, the fight lasted until the spectators asked for the dismissal of the fighters. The editor then decided whether to accept this or let the fight continue to "the finger." The editor could also choose a game sine remissione (without dismissal). These were fights to the death. In some cases both gladiators were dismissed or released from the arena stantes missi (released standing).

There were very few female gladiators in reality- some films and computer games have featured female gladiators, but this is pure fiction. In ancient Rome, gladiatorial combat was very largely a male phenomenon. The only women who worked as gladiators were Scythians from occupied regions of the Caucasus and the Northern regions of the Middle East, who came from a tribal culture that featured women in combat sport. Often, these women were professional display-fighters who went to Rome voluntarily to practice their art, since the pay was better. They were usually 'net fighters'- that is, they would attempt to snare an armed female opponent with a net, then kill them with their own weapons once they'd been captured. Others fought using tridents or short swords. Their costume was minimal- they wore only a short leather skirt and sandals, but sometimes went completely naked! But many Romans disliked seeing women in combat sports, even if they were willing competitors- they found it an affront to decency, and did not wish to encourage it. Women were sometimes used as victims in the gladiatorial arena, though most Romans drew the line at this and found it repugnant. Although aspects of Roman life were very brutal, there was nonetheless a basic code of chivalry, part of which included an understanding that women should not be subject to the same extremes of torment and degradation as men. Women were usually only thrown into the arena under the dictatorships of Nero and Caligula, both of whom were genocidal psychopaths who were completely insane- in such cases, many Senators boycotted the 'games' and encouraged the public to do likewise, and even a lot of male gladiators refused to take up arms against women. Most of the female victims were Christian converts, who were caught up in Nero's persecution of Christians- they were usually pitted against wild animals such as lions or bears, and whilst not given any protective clothing to wear, were usually armed, with tridents, swords or maces. They also sometimes had shields. In other cases, an unarmed woman would be tied to a post in an arena, and left to be defended by an armed male victim against savage animals. The crowd were often impressed with the bravery and courage of such innocent people who were forced to fight and kill just for 'sport', and usually demanded clemency for survivors, becoming very angry if this was not awarded.

The gladiators were definitely looked upon as great people, despite their humble beginnings, with some being prisoners of war, condemned criminals, slaves or volunteers seeking fame and wealth. Their status in Roman society was quite high. Despite their "outlaw" legal and social status, gladiators often enjoyed great social prestige. Young Roman boys liked to hang out at gladiator schools and even take lessons there (their parents hated it of course).

This question can't be answered. The information about these men is slim. Considering people were rather small in size and weight 2000 years ago I would guess they were not large people on the average. Those that were taller and bigger often were very well known. The men who were in the games were slaves and had been soliders that fought Rome in battles.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

Yes, the gladiators wore armor. Their armor and weapons varied with the style of fighting that they performed. They also had distinctive helmets.

The gladiators trained in their "ludi" or schools, under the instruction of their trainers, who were either ex-gladiators themselves, or specialists in some category of combat brought in by the owner of the school.

The basic reason was for entertainment. Some historians like to put symbolism in the hunting event by proposing that they were showing the people the superiority of the Romans over forces of nature. But to the people of the time it was exciting entertainment as the hunts were staged in elaborate forest settings, and in the Colosseum, live trees and shrubs were used.

It is believed that professional gladiators, like boxers of today, fought twice a year.

Galen didn't train gladiators. Galen was a medicus at a Ludus in Pergamum. In other words, Galen, the famed physician, treated Gladiator's wounds.

If you are looking for information about how Gladiators were trained, there isn't very much to be had. It is known that they trained using wooden poles as false bodies, known as Palus. They would have trained to be proficient in grappling and boxing along with the various weapons that they were assigned. They would have used weights of sorts, and done a great deal of body-weight training, along with improving flexibility.

As Romans adopted much of Greek culture (along with others) it can be assumed that they also adopted the ancient Greek martial Pankration (the oldest martial art form known to man, predating all eastern martial arts, and being the first western martial art) . The gladiators most likely learned pankration, which covers not only simple weapon-less combat, but also combat with sword, shield, and spear. However, the gladiators would have improved on the martial art, and their style would have been somewhat theatrical, though no less practical, as they were primarily entertainers. If you are interested in further information, I am writing my thesis on this subject.

tom_mrsn@yahoo.com

The types of gladiators who fought with a sword and a shield were the hoplomachus, the murmillo, the thraex (Thracian) and the secutor.

Of course they did, otherwise they would die. The trainers made a lot of money out of their trade. It was in their interests to keep the gladiators healthy and fit.

When the gladiators wern't fighting they would practice at the ampitheatre or be at their quarters. Gladiators wenrnt often completely killed as they were hard to replace and provided a great source of entertainment. When the crowd wanted a gladiator to be completely killed the kind would have to rule the decision.

Hibernia was the Roman name for Ireland.

The Romans had a very well developed army. It was one of the first organized army. They had armor plated uniforms. powerful weapons such as the scorpion crossbow. Had the first military ranks too

First of all he would get paid. Then, depending on the circumstances, he would either be given his release from his gladiatorial oath and be a free man, or he could be granted a wooden sword, which also meant that he was freed of his gladiatorial obligations. But remember that the conditions differed regarding freedom, some were granted freedom after five bouts, others had to remain for five years---contracts differed then as much as contracts do today.

The gladiators were named by their parents when they were babies. When they grew up and became gladiators they either used their own names or they assumed a "stage name" such as Felix, meaning lucky. Other names used by gladiators seemed to connote strength, greatness, courage, etc. all the qualities that were admired. Names derived from Hercules, and the name Alexander were popular. A possible example of this is the gladiator Spartacus. That name is very closely allied to Sparta and the Spartans were the renowned fighters of their time. It makes some researchers wonder if, because he was a gladiator, Spartacus was a stage name and not the legal name of the man himself.

gladiators had to fight because they were slaves and their masters told them to do it.when in the arena they had to fight and win or fight well and lose or they would be killed.they did not want to die but part of their code was to die with honor,not flinching when the victor sliced his thoat and kneeling on 1 knee to await their death calmly.

Gladiators were a very important variable in Roman social and political life. They reached their peak in the first two centuries of the empire and their decline began as Christianity began to spread all over the empire until the former was abolished by emperor Honorius in the 5th century. Gladiator fights and similar spectacles could often had decided the fate of a politician in uprising. For example, in the republic, after the questarian office, one would be lifted up to an aedil office. That office's main duty among others was to represent spectacles in the arena at their own cost. The more spectacular and exotic it is, the bigger was the aedil's chance to climb up the office leader, as well to get social prestigue. Thus had gladiators great impact on politics. The better they were trained, the better their condition was, the better they fought, the better was the chance of an aedil getting a higher office thus influencing politics more. Further more, in the imperial era, spectacular and blood-soaking gladiator duels were essential for emperors who had just become so. The better the games, the better reception bay the crowd for the new Caesar.

In most cases, gladiators faced injury or death at the hands of their fellow gladiators, against whom they fought. In some cases, however, gladiators fought various wild animals, instead of other gladiators. The animals (such as lions) could also injure or kill gladiators. In general, the life of a gladiator was very uncertain.

Gladiators could indeed get married if that is what they chose to do. Many gladiators however choose not to get married.

The disposal of Gladiators depended mostly on status. For example, if the fallen gladiator was considered 'noxii' (obnoxious to the state) their body may be discarded without honour, ritual or even a burial. If the body was that of a regular gladiator he may be buried with tribute and memorial by his friends, family or his associated union. Gladiators who weren't considered noxii may join these unions who would arrange for a proper funeral and compensation for the gladiators family.

The burial ceremony for gladiators was held outside the town limits and in separate cemeteries to the citizens to avoid spiritual and physical impurity tainting the community.

Today, inscriptions can still be found on the tombs of fallen gladiators by their friends, family and unions.

In some cases, it's believed the remains of gladiators may have been fed to animals, thrown in mass graves or dumped in the River Tiber. Some of these bodies would have been reclaimed for proper burial.

Roman gladiators sent all their time at the gladiatorial schools. They were not allowed to leave because they were slaves. There were guards to ensure that they would not escape. We do not know much about what they did in their spare time. presumably they rested and played dice and board games like people did in those days.

In theory yes. But you would not get an aristocrat being a gladiator they woud host the events. Normally they were slaves and if they did well they may be freed. Contrary to popular belief not all Gladiator fights were to the death. One must consider that gladiators cost money and time to train so sometimes they may fight to the death other times not.