Gladiator

Gladiator is the term for armed combatants who fought in public spectacles in ancient Rome. The practice began in funeral games during the early Republic and evolved into organized contests held in amphitheaters such as the Colosseum. Most gladiators were slaves, prisoners of war, or condemned criminals, though some free men volunteered for training and prize money. They trained in gladiatorial schools (ludi) under a lanista who owned the troupe and managed performances and finances.

Combatants fought in various formats with different weapons and armor. Popular types included the secutor (heavy fighter with a short sword and shield) and the retiarius (lightly armored, using a net and trident); others included the murmillo, Thracian, and hoplomachus. Bouts could be fought to the death, but outcomes were sometimes determined by the editor or sponsor’s decision, and some fights ended with mercy. Gladiatorial games formed a major part of Roman public entertainment and were linked to religious and political ceremonies.

The prominence of gladiators declined in Late Antiquity as Christianity gained influence and emperors banned or restricted the games; the last known gladiatorial contests occurred in the 5th century, and the institution gradually disappeared.

Gladiator is also the title of a 2000 epic film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set in the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his successor Commodus, it follows a general who becomes a gladiator. Although fictional, the film contributed to popular interest in ancient Rome and its combat spectacles and won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.