It is generally accepted that only slaves participated in the bloody gladiatorial battles of ancient Rome. But this is not the case. The most famous names brought to us by history belonged to ordinary volunteers, for whom the arena became a good way to make money.
Their popularity was great, by today's standards, it is comparable only to the popularity of Hollywood stars. Unfortunately, their fame during life was not long.
The Colosseum is the most famous piece of ancient Roman architecture and the largest amphitheater in the city. It was here in ancient times that wealthy citizens gathered to watch the brightest and most brutal entertainment of all that Rome offered - gladiator fights.
These are people of different nationalities who fell into slavery, but became a real elite among tens of thousands of Roman slaves. These are those who constantly honed their swordsmanship, only to fight to the death for the amusement of the public.
From the history of the Roman Empire, it is known that fighters of different classes were exhibited for battle, they differed in combat technique and ammunition. So, for example, the kind of gladiator - Murmillon (sea fish), was protected by a closed heavy helmet, also his forearm, arm and legs were protected by armor, and he was armed with a shield and a 40-centimeter sword Gladius.
Retiarius (fisherman) usually fought against such a fighter, except for one metal plate on his shoulder, his body is no longer protected by anything, but his weapon was much more exotic - in his right hand a long trident, and in his left a fishing net.
The task of Retiarius was to capture the enemy with a net and knock him into the sand, and with a trident it was possible to either grab Gladius or make a sweep. But sometimes the net alone in the hands of Retiarius became a deadly weapon. It was weighted around the perimeter and could be used as a chain.
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Gladiator classification
Murmillon vs. Retiarius is a classic combination of gladiatorial duels in the arenas of ancient Rome. But few people know that there were more than 20 types and classifications of gladiators in total. All of them inflicted completely different damage to each other.
For example, Skissor was well protected and, in addition to Gladius, was armed with a short knife with two blades and one handle. It was convenient for them, without inflicting deep wounds, to cut the arteries of the enemy. Demacher fought with only 2 daggers. There was also a kind of gladiators, whose opponents in the arena were not people, but wild animals, they were called Venators.
They were gladiators who were sentenced to fight with lions for any crime. They had little chance of survival. In combat, gladiators often used javelins or spears. In a wide swing, such a spear could cut the throat or throw from several meters. But in addition to different weapons, protection and technology, gladiators differed among themselves and in weight characteristics, because someone moved much slower, and someone faster.
But fighting on the sand in the hot sun was not easy at any weight. Therefore, metal armor most often protected only the hand holding the weapon and one leg, the one that was most often put forward. The shield, if there was one, had a dual function of protection and push.
For the Romans, the gladiatorial duel was both a dramatic performance, a circus performance and a boxing match. These actions were organized by special people - editors. They prepared the battlefield, advertised and distributed tickets. Anyone could bet any amount on one of the fighters.
Gladiators trained in special schools, which were led by Lanista. A lot of money was invested in especially promising fighters. They were given the skills needed to fight and die.
Lanista made sure that his gladiators ate well and did not get sick. They were considered the property of the gladiatorial school and brought unprecedented income. But some gladiators were not slaves, and took risks only for the sake of money, fame or thrill.
The paradox was that gladiators who emerged victorious from many battles became incredibly popular in society. They earned more in one battle than a Roman soldier in a whole year. They had their own home, but they still remained slaves.
And Lanista's profession in Rome was considered shameful, because he, like a pimp, traded in bodies, that is, the gladiatorial craft was equated by many with prostitution. Slaves of different ages and nationalities entered the gladiator school, but not many survived to maturity.
Gladiator's life
The life of a wounded gladiator in the arena most often depended on the public. If for some reason he aroused sympathy among the majority, then the audience voted for life, showing a fist with a hidden thumb.
When choosing death, the thumb was pulled to the side. The victor did the will of the crowd only so that in the next battle, perhaps, he would die himself. Fights of gladiators, like gladiatorial schools, were banned only during the reign of Emperor Constantine, who converted to Christianity. But the people still demanded spectacles.
The moment is known when a monk of one of the Christian monasteries appeared on the arena to stop the battle of gladiators, and was quartered by the spectators and the fighters themselves.