1. Roman Gladiators
264 B.C. – 404 A.D.

2. Origin of Gladiator Matches
Originated as tributes paid to dead ancestors
Connected to funerals

3. First Gladiators First gladiator match in 264 B.C.
Staged by Marcus and Decimus Junius Brutus
Used three pairs of slaves
Match happened in the Forum Broarium
Tribute to Junius Brutus

4. Gladiators’ new purpose
After becoming more popular later turned into public entertainment.

5. Spectators Original matches were done in open spaces
As the matches became more popular larger and permanent structures were built
Example was the colosseum, which held around 40,000 to 60,000 spectators

6. Gladiator Training Trained in schools called “LudI” 4 ludI in Rome
Interesting fact: The school located in Capua is where the slave rebellion of Spartacus started

7. Gladiator Recruits
Most of the time they were prisoners of war, criminals, or slaves
Some free born decided to become gladiators

8. Gladiator Oath Called sacramentum gladiatorium
Oath swore, “I will endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword”
All gladiators had to swear the oath