2.  Coliseums began under the rule of the Emperor Vespasian in around 70–72AD  Titus Flavius Vespasianus, commonly known as Vespasian (November 17, 9- June 12, 79), was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 69 A.D. until his death in 79 A.D. Vespasian was the founder of the short lived Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire between 69 A.D. and 96 A.D. He was succeeded by his sons Titus (79–81) and Domitian (81–96).

4. To this day coliseums are a major landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Rome.

5. Many were slaves, convicted criminals, or prisoners of war, all of whom were purchased by people who specialized in training and managing gladiators. Others were freed men who fought as professionals, and in some cases, someone would sell himself or herself to a lanista, or managers of gladiators, out of a lack of alternatives. These fights were typically staged in large arenas with a huge audience, and in the modern sense, people sometimes use the term “gladiator” to describe someone who fights tenaciously and overwhelmingly for something in front of an audience. Yes, there were indeed female gladiators, although they existed in smaller numbers than men.

6.  The day of a schedule gladiator fight was a big event.  Typically the audience would be entertained in the arena first with animal fights and public executions, before the main event, in which two highly trained fighters would go up against each other or confront exotic animals with an assortment of weapons.

7. Wore helmets without eye holes Fought with two swords Leather elbow or wrist bands Lance Sword or dagger Round shield Used a noose to catch their adversaries Loin cloth Metal or boiled leather greave Large oblong shield Curved scimitar

8.  The Gladiators would fight in front of often huge crowds with the promise of great wealth if they became famous.  They fought for one reason only: freedom, as famous gladiators could be freed from slavery. Because of this the Gladiator would fight extremely hard and often fights were to the death.