GLADIATORS: Fighting to the Death In Ancient Rome

Heroic though of lowly status, Gladiators fought vicious duals in large arenas filled with baying crowds and were the celebrities of their day. The survivor could either be executed (the famous 'thumbs down' signal) or spared at the whim of the crowd or the Emperor. Few lasted more than a dozen fights, yet they were a valuable asset to their owners. But how did they fight, how did their weapons and techniques develop, and who were they? This superb Casemate Short History introductory series provides an entertaining overview of the history of the Gladiator, debunking some myths along the way. We learn about the different forms of combat, and the pairings which were designed to carefully balance the strengths and weaknesses of one against the other. The retiarii (with nets) were lightly armed but mobile, the secutores and murmillones protected but were weighted down by their armour. Gladiators also participated in simulated naval battles on large artificial lakes or even sets inside the arena of the Colosseum. Although their lives were brutal and short, Gladiators were often admired for their bravery, endurance and willingness to die. Men who fought each other were not the only type of Gladiator. Being torn apart by wild animals was yet another form of entertainment provided for the crowd. Those who fought wild animals (bestiarii) or participated in hunts in the arena (venatores) are recorded in sculpted reliefs, equipped as Gladiators and locked in combat with big cats. Those who fought each other were usually condemned criminals or prisoners of war, expected to fight enthusiastically, usually in recreations of great battles from the past complete with scenery. Other gory scenes of death included the paegnarii who fought each other with sticks, or the andabatae who duelled or attempted to do so in helmets with no eye holes! With useful timeline, illus. plus line art and evidence from contemporary literature, ancient remains, graffiti and the multiple skeletons which tell their story. 160 page illustrated paperback.