Gladiators

Humans have searched for means of entertainment for millennia. Today, our society seems to revolve around how we can relax and be entertained. Everything around us – from television, music and movies to food, the Internet and sporting events – serves as some means of entertainment for us. The leaps and bounds we have made in technology has made our search for leisure easier, however before technology made amusement more readily available, societies had to rely on other things to entertain themselves with.

One way Ancient Romans entertained themselves was through Gladiator contests. Gladiators were typically slaves, condemned criminals, or prisoners of war who were forced to battle against each other, typically to the death. These combatants performed in amphitheaters, which were oval-shaped structures used specially for sporting events. The most famous amphitheater was the Roman Colosseum, built in 80 C.E. by Roman emperor Vespasian and his son Titus.

Gladiators were divided into four different categories, and could be recognized by the type of armor that they wore. Thracians sported a “wide-brimmed crested helmet with visor, high greaves on both legs, arm protector, [and used a] very small shield, and short, curved sword.” Secutors wore an “egg-shaped helmet with round eye-holes, greave on one leg, arm protector, [and used] legionary-style shield and sword (scutum and gladius).” Retiariuses wore arm protectors and a large net, and used a trident and a small dagger for weapons. Those of the Bestiarius type generally wore no armor at all, as they were considered the lowest ranking of the Gladiators. These gladiators were trained to handle and fight several different types of animals. The other divisions of gladiators usually fought against gladiators of a different division.

A typical day watching the Gladiator games started with a processional to the Colosseum. Once there, exhibitions of exotic animals and animal fights took place until a lunch break was called. During the lunch break, the particularly extreme criminals were executed; such criminals included murderers, those having committed arson, and Christians (considered to be guilty of treason and violation of recognizing the emperor of a divine individual). The Gladiator combats followed the lunch break; they fought until either one of them died or gave the signal for defeat – holding up his index finger. At this point, the crowd would determine whether the defeated gladiator should be spared or put to death. They would indicate their preference by giving a thumbs up for sparing his life or a thumbs down for killing him.

Our tastes in entertainment have changed drastically over the millennia. However the search for a way to enjoy ourselves will always be part of our society.

References:
http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/arena.html