Gladiator, << GLAD ee `ay` tuhr, >> was a trained warrior who fought bloody battles to entertain the ancient Romans. Gladiators used many different types of weapons. Some of the warriors used an oblong shield, a visored helmet, and a stabbing sword about 2 feet (61 centimeters) long. Some used a small, round shield called a buckler and a sica (short, curved sword). Others used only a net and a three-pronged spear called a trident. Gladiators usually fought until one was killed. However, the life of the loser could be spared if the spectators waved handkerchiefs.
Most gladiators were prisoners of war, slaves, or criminals condemned to fight in these contests. However, some freemen fought for money and fame, and knights, senators, and even women occasionally fought. One emperor, Commodus, also fought in the arena. Successful gladiators became famous in Rome. The comment “the girls’ delight” is scratched after the name of one gladiator on a Pompeian wall. One of the most famous gladiators was Spartacus, a slave from Thrace who led an unsuccessful rebellion of gladiators and slaves (see Spartacus ). Gladiators were carefully fed, and they received medical care. They were generally housed in barracks.
The first gladiator games were held in a Roman cattle market in 264 B.C. at the funeral of an aristocrat. Most of the contests after that were held at funerals or celebrations, and were under state control. At the Colosseum, wild beasts fought in the morning, and the gladiators fought in the afternoon. Contests were also held in provincial amphitheaters. Many Greek theaters were converted to house the popular contests. These cruel battles were justified as hardening Roman citizens to the sight of human bloodshed, so they could endure war better. The battles were finally banned about A.D. 404 by Emperor Honorius.
