Where did gladiators fight in Rome? Why did Roman gladiators kill each other? Not all gladiators were slaves

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Classification of gladiators

• Andabat (from the Greek word " άναβαται "-" raised, located on a hill") They were dressed in chain mail, like the eastern cavalry (cataphracts), and helmets with visors without slits for the eyes. Andabats fought each other in much the same way as knights in medieval jousting tournaments, but without the ability to see each other.
• Bestiary: Armed with a dart or dagger, these fighters were originally not gladiators, but criminals ( noxia), sentenced to battle with predatory animals, with a high probability of death of the sentenced. Later, bestiaries became well-trained gladiators, specializing in combat with various exotic predators using darts. The battles were organized in such a way that the beasts had little chance of defeating the bestiary.
• Bustuary: These gladiators fought in honor of the deceased at ritual games during the funeral rite.
• Dimacher (from the Greek " διμάχαιρος - "carrying two daggers"). Two swords were used, one in each hand. They fought without a helmet and shield. They were dressed in a short soft tunic, their arms and legs were bandaged with tight bandages, sometimes they wore leggings.
• Equit ("horseman"): In the early descriptions, these lightly armed gladiators were dressed in scaly armor, wore a medium-sized round cavalry shield, a helmet with a brim, without a crest, but with two decorative tassels. During the Empire, they wore forearm armor ( maniku) on the right hand, a sleeveless tunic (which distinguished them from other gladiators who fought bare-chested), and a belt. Equites started the fight on horseback, but after they threw their spear (hasta), they dismounted and continued to fight with a short sword (gladius). Equits usually only fought other Equits.
• Gaul: Were equipped with a spear, a helmet, and a small Gallic shield.
• Essedarius ("chariot fighter", from the Latin name for the Celtic chariot - "esseda") . Perhaps they were first brought to Rome by Julius Caesar from Britain. Essedaria are mentioned in many descriptions from the 1st century AD. e. Since there are no images of the Essedarii, nothing is known about their weapons and fighting style.
• Hoplomachus (from the Greek " οπλομάχος "-" armed fighter"): They were dressed in a quilted, trouser-like leg garment, possibly made of canvas, a loincloth, belt, greaves, forearm armor (maniku) on the right arm, and a brimmed helmet with a stylized griffin on the crest, which could be decorated with a tassel of feathers at the top and single feathers on each side. They were armed with a gladius and a large legionary shield made from a single sheet of thick bronze (sample from Pompeii have been preserved). They were put up for fights against the Murmillons or the Thracians. It is possible that the Goplomakhs descended from earlier Samnites after it became “politically incorrect” to use the name of a people who had become friendly to the Romans.
• Lakveary ("lasso fighter"): Lakwearii could be a species retiarii, who tried to catch their rivals with a lasso instead of a net.
• Murmillon: They wore a helmet with a stylized fish on the crest (from the Latin " murmillos"-" sea fish"), as well as armor for the forearm ( maniku), a loincloth and belt, leggings on the right leg, thick windings covering the top of the foot, and very short armor with a notch for stuffing at the top of the foot. The Murmillo were armed with a gladius (40-50 cm long) and a large rectangular shield of the Roman legionnaires. They were put up for battle against the Thracians, Retiarii, sometimes also against the hoplomachi.
• Pegniarius: They used a whip, a club and a shield, which was attached to the left arm with straps.
• Provocateur ("applicant"): Their outfit could be different, depending on the nature of the games. They were depicted wearing a loincloth, a belt, a long greave on the left leg, a maniku on the right arm, and a helmet with a visor, without brim and crest, but with feathers on each side. They were the only gladiators protected by a cuirass, which was at first rectangular, then often rounded. The provocateurs were armed with a gladius and a large rectangular shield. Exhibited for battles with the Samnites or other provocateurs.
• Retiarius ("net fighter"): Appeared at the dawn of the Empire. They were armed with a trident, a dagger and a net. In addition to the loincloth supported by wide belt and a large armor on the left shoulder joint, the retiarius did not have any clothes, including a helmet. Sometimes a metal shield was used to protect the neck and lower face. There were retiarii who played female roles in the arena, which differed from ordinary retiarii in that they were dressed in a tunic. The Retiarii usually fought the Secutors, but sometimes also the Murmillos.
• Rudiarium: Gladiators who deserve liberation (rewarded with a wooden sword called rudis), but decided to remain gladiators. Not all rudiarii continued to fight in the arena, there was a special hierarchy among them: they could be trainers, assistants, judges, fighters, etc. Rudiarii fighters were very popular among the public, as they had vast experience and one could expect real show.
• Sagittarius: Mounted archers armed with a flexible bow capable of launching an arrow over a long distance.
• Samnite: Samnites, ancient type heavily armed fighters, which disappeared in the early imperial period, indicated by its name the origin of gladiator fights. The historical Samnites were an influential group of Italic tribes living in the Campania region south of Rome, against whom the Romans fought wars from 326 to 291 BC. e. The Samnites' equipment was a large rectangular shield, a feathered helmet, a short sword, and possibly a greave on the left leg.
• Secutor: This type of fighter was specially designed for fights with retiarii. Secutors were a type of murmillon and were equipped with similar armor and weapons, including a medium oval shield and a gladius. Their helmet, however, covered the entire face, except for two holes for the eyes, in order to protect the face from the sharp trident of their rival. The helmet was practically round and smooth, so that the net of the retiarius could not catch on it.
• Skissor ("one who cuts", "cutting")- a gladiator who was armed with a short sword (gladius) and instead of a shield had a cutting weapon that resembled scissors (essentially two small swords that had one handle) or, in another scenario, put on left hand iron hollow rod with a sharp horizontal tip. With this cutting weapon, the scissor delivered blows that led to minor wounds of the opponent, but the wounds bled very much (several arteries were cut, which, of course, caused fountains of blood). Otherwise, the skissor was similar to a secutor, except for the additional protection of the right arm (from the shoulder to the elbow), which consisted of many iron plates fastened together with strong leather laces. The helmet and protective ammunition of the secutors and skissors were the same.
• Tertiary (also called " Suppositicius"-" substituting"): Three gladiators participated in some competitions. First, the first two fought each other, then the winner of this fight fought with the third, who was called the tertiary. Tertiarii also came to replace if the gladiator declared for the fight, for one reason or another, could not enter the arena.
• Thracian: The Thracians were equipped with the same armor as the hoplomakhs. They have had grand slam, covering the entire head and decorated with a stylized griffin on the forehead or on the front of the crest (the griffin was a symbol of the goddess of retribution Nemesis), a small round or flattened shield, and two large greaves. Their weapon was a Thracian curved sword (sicca, about 34 cm long). They usually fought murmillons or hoplomaches.
  

• Venator: Specialized in show hunting for animals, not fighting them in close combat, as bestiaries. Venators also performed tricks with animals: they put their hand in the mouth of a lion; rode on a camel, keeping a lion on a leash nearby; made the elephant walk on a tightrope. Strictly speaking, the venators were not gladiators, but their performances were part of the gladiator fights.
• Pregenary: Performed at the beginning of the competition to "warm up" the crowd. They used wooden swords and wrapped cloth around the body. Their fights took place to the accompaniment of cymbals, pipes and water organs.

The Romans turned Gladiator fights into cruel fun, but their Etruscan ancestors came up with entertainment. The ritual was of religious significance and accompanied the process of burial of wealthy people. A sacrifice was made in honor of the deceased. In the struggle, it was decided who would fall in the fight and appease the cult of Mars.

For the first time, gladiator fights took place in the empire in 264 BC. The event also marked the funeral of a noble citizen of the empire. The event was held with the participation of three pairs of fighters on the market square. The tradition was remembered 50 years later during the funeral of the consul's son. Funeral games were organized in the Roman Forum built for the occasion. The battles were fought for three days and more than 20 pairs of fighters took part in them.

Over the next 100 years, the labor of gladiators was used for burials. In 105 BC competitions received the status of entertainment in Rome.

The crowd was delighted with the fighting, and the politicians, in turn, tried to win the popular love and favor of the Roman citizens. Before coming to power in the empire, Caesar arranged games with the participation of 320 pairs of gladiator fighters. After that, the Roman Senate decided to limit the number of participants in the event. Officials were banned from holding games two years before being elected to high office.

Were gladiators slaves in ancient Rome?

Gladiators were considered professionals in the skill of wrestling. They specialized in handling certain types of weapons. Fights were fought in the public arenas of the Roman Empire. Amphitheaters for performances were built between 105 and 404 BC.

Gladiator fights usually ended in death. The life expectancy of those who fought was short, but the profession was considered prestigious. Most gladiators belonged to the class of slaves, free citizens or were prisoners. Bloody battles often replaced the death penalty. Without a doubt, spectacle in the arenas of the Roman Empire was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in antiquity.

Gladiators were trained in the art of combat in the schools of skill. They took an oath and from this they were not considered people: they did not testify in court, they were sold, rented out. The profession of a gladiator was fanned with romanticism, although in fact the poor often entered schools in search of good food. Some men entered the arenas in search of glory. History knows cases when gladiators were granted freedom.

The life of the gladiators of ancient Rome

Gladiator games were held by the emperors of Rome and the local aristocracy to demonstrate their power and wealth. The event marked a high victory of the state or the visit of an official or diplomat of another state. The fighters fought in arenas on the birthdays of wealthy people or to distract people from everyday problems, solving political and economic issues.

The largest playground in history ancient rome was the Colosseum in the center of Rome - the Flavian Amphitheatre. ancient stadium accommodated from 30 to 50 thousand spectators. Representatives of Roman society purchased tickets in advance for the bloody attraction of death. Wild and exotic animals died at the hands of the gladiator. In the event of their victory, the men were thrown to be eaten by lions.

It is a common misconception that gladiators were required to greet the emperor of Rome at the beginning of each show with the words:

Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant

"Long live the emperor, we who have come to die salute you!"

In reality, these words were spoken by prisoners doomed to die in battles at sea.

Often, prisoners of war were forced to work in the arena as gladiators. There are cases when bankrupt aristocrats entered the arena. For example, the famous Sempronius, a descendant of the powerful Gracchi dynasty, became a gladiator.

Before the entry into the arena of Septmius Severus in 200 AD, women were prohibited from performing as gladiators.

Constant recruitment was carried out in fighting schools of gladiators. Living conditions in them were similar to a prison: shackles and small barred rooms. However, the food was much better served to promote health. Gladiators received good medical care.

Winning competitions became the favorites of the people and were especially popular with women.

Those who refused to enter the arena were beaten with leather whips, as well as red-hot metal rods. An indignant crowd of 30-40 thousand spectators demanded the killing of the enemy. The most famous case of refusal was during a battle organized by Quintus Aurelius Symmachus in 401 AD. German prisoners, instead of entering the arena, strangled each other in cages, depriving the Roman citizens of the spectacle.

When the gladiator was not killed immediately, his opponent could show mercy and let him live. He raised a weapon with a shield and a finger. Although his opponent at that moment could have killed him. If the emperor was present during the performance, the fate of the gladiator was decided by the crowd, waving fabrics and making hand gestures. The word "Mitte!" and lifted up thumb meant "Let them go!" Thumbs down and the expression "Iugula!" - "Execute him!"

Scenes on the walls of ancient Pompeii tell about the life of gladiators. The images indicated how many victories the fighter won: Petronius Octavian - 35, Severus - 55, Nascia - 60. The winner was awarded a palm branch of victory, a crown and often a silver dish.

Holding contests of gladiators came into conflict with the new Christian religion that came to Ancient Rome in 404 AD. Emperor Honorius closed the gladiator schools. The last event was the arrival of a monk from Asia Minor, Telemachus, who stopped the bloodshed by standing between the fighters. The indignant crowd threw stones at the monk to death.

As a result, the emperor Honorius ended up banning gladiator fights, although the hunting of wild animals remained for a long time. The Romans lamented the cancellation of the popular entertainment.

How were gladiator fights in ancient Rome

The days of gladiator fights were declared holidays in the empire. Preparations for the event were carried out for a long time, specially trained people, editors, were engaged in it. They advertised and sold tickets.

Citizens with the profession of lanist were engaged in the search and ransom of gladiators. They looked for physically strong slaves and prisoners of war in the markets and brought them to schools for training in fighting skills.

On the appointed day, citizens were seated strictly according to social status. A huge number of citizens gathered. The show was accompanied by a theatrical show. Then wild animals were released. Convicts sentenced to death fought with them. If they were victorious, they were given life.

The battles were fought with musical accompaniment. The rhythms of the music accelerated as the struggle progressed. main goal gladiator was striking at the skull or artery. The demonstration of military prowess was equated by the civilian population in ancient Rome with heroism.

Types of gladiators in ancient Rome

The term gladiatores meant "weapon" or "short sword". In the competition, many other types of weapons were used. Gladiators wore armor and helmets with decorative motifs adorned with ostrich or peacock feathers.

The quality of weapons and armor depended on the class of the gladiator. There were four main groups.

1. The Samnite class was named after the Samnite warriors who fought in the arenas of the republic in the early years. The Romans originally used the word Samnite as a synonym for an Etruscan gladiator. They were well armed, had a spear and a sword, a shield, protective armor on the arm and leg.
2. Thracian gladiators were armed with a curved short sword (sika) and a square or round shield (parma) to protect themselves from blows.
3. Other gladiators were known as "murmillos". They had a crest in the shape of a fish on their helmets. Like the Samnites, they carried short swords and had armor padding on their arms and legs.
4. The retiarius did not wear a helmet or armor. He carried a metal mesh in which he tried to imprison his opponent. Having entangled him with a net, he struck the final blow with his trident.

Gladiators fought in pairs in different combinations. This made it possible to provide a contrast between the armored slow classes, like the French ones, and the protected ones, like the retiarii.

Names and classes have changed over time. For example, "Samnite" and "Gallium" names began to sound incorrect when countries with similar names became allied. Archers, bestiaries and boxers who hunted wild animals also entered the ancient arenas of Rome.

Who gave names to the gladiators of ancient Rome

The name of the gladiator was part of his stage persona. The fighters were given names in schools of skill or masters of slaves. In any case, they were of Roman origin. The citizens of Ancient Rome did not even want to hear about the "barbarian" citizens.

The most famous gladiators of ancient Rome

The most famous gladiator in Rome was Spartacus. He took the lead in 73 BC. uprising of gladiators and slaves from Capua. A Roman soldier, he was captured by the military in Thrace to be transported to a gladiator school.

He organized an escape with 70 comrades from the school and created a defensive camp on the slope of Vesuvius. The camp was besieged by the Roman military, after which they left the position and set off on their way through the Campania area. Former gladiators organized their own battle group. Fighting on the way to the north of the Alps, Spartacus showed the features of a military leader in the fight against the Roman army. Spartacus died in battle, but before that he managed to free three hundred military prisoners in honor of his fallen comrade.

After two years of revolt, the army of Marcus Licinius Crassus finally arrested the rebels in Apulia in southern Italy. As a warning to others, over 6,000 gladiators were crucified along the Appian Way between Capua and Rome. After this episode, the number of gladiators belonging to citizens was strictly controlled.

Another famous gladiator is the emperor Commodus (108-192 AD). There were rumors that he was the illegitimate son of a gladiator. He was not a professional fighter, but he received huge money for his performances in the Colosseum. The emperor dressed as Mercury and competed in the arena. More often he killed wild animals from a closed platform with a bow.

The gladiator Spikul was so inimitable in the art of combat that Emperor Nero gave him a whole palace.

Gladiators (lat. gladiatores, from gladius, “sword”) - among the ancient Romans, the name of the fighters who fought each other in competitions in the arena of the amphitheater. Of all the games that satisfied the passion for spectacles of the Roman people, gladiator fights (munera gladiatoria) enjoyed the greatest favor of all classes. Gladiator competitions have their origins in the Etruscan funeral games, which replaced human sacrifices that were once performed in memory of the dead. As a result, gladiator fights were held among the ancient Romans initially only at funeral feasts (ad rogum); the first mention of them refers to 264 BC Chr. Over time, however, these games lost the meaning of sacrifices to the dead and turned into a simple entertainment for the cruel and proud of their freedom of the Roman people, who enjoyed the sight of gladiators fighting to death. At the same time, they began to be seen as an excellent means of maintaining a warlike spirit among the people.

This custom took on such a character in the last days of the republic. In this era, the aediles, as well as other officials, especially when they took office, began to organize gladiatorial games on occasion of the most diverse events, and special amphitheaters with an open arena were even built for this purpose. The number of pairs of fighting gladiators gradually increased. Julius Caesar, in office aedile(65 BC) exhibited 320 pairs of gladiators.

gladiators. Blood sport of the Colosseum. video film

The ancient Roman emperors alternately restricted gladiatorial games or encouraged them to the point of madness. Augustus allowed the praetors to give gladiator fights no more than twice a year, and, moreover, with the condition that no more than 60 couples participate in each of them. At the games arranged by him, according to his own testimony, in general, no less than 10 thousand people fought. Augustus' prohibition was soon forgotten. They say about Trajan that he gave various games for 123 days, in which 10 thousand gladiators fought, and the emperor Commodus was not so proud of anything as the glory of a skilled gladiator, who performed hundreds of times in the arena. Soon, however, gladiatorial games found access to other major cities of the Roman Empire. Yes, according to the story Josephus Flavius, Herod Agrippa I, at the opening of the amphitheater in Caesarea, put up 700 gladiators in one day. Even in Athens and Corinth, these games met with a sympathetic reception, and in later times there was hardly a significant city in Italy or in the provinces that did not have its own amphitheater for gladiatorial games.

Duel of gladiators retiarius and myrmillo. Modern reconstruction

Gladiators were recruited for the most part from prisoners of war, who were brought in masses in ancient Rome by numerous wars. Many slaves were awarded to compete in the arena as a form of punishment. There were also many among the gladiators and free citizens, desperate and impoverished people who had no other means to support themselves. Gladiators who managed to emerge victorious from the competition not only acquired loud fame and were immortalized in works of poetry and art, but also received a significant payment (auctoramentum) for each performance, so that they could hope to spend the rest of their lives in wealthy people. These free gladiators were called auctorati and had to take an oath that they would allow themselves to be "cut with rods, burn with fire and kill with iron."

Fight of gladiators retiarius and secutor

During the Roman Empire, imperial schools for gladiators (ludi gladiatorii) were established, one of which was found in Pompeii. Here, the gladiators were kept in the strictest discipline and severely punished for the slightest misconduct, but they were treated with great care for their bodily well-being. Gladiators practiced their art under the guidance of a fencing teacher (lanists). Beginners used a special rapier (rudis), which was also given to a well-deserved gladiator (rudiarius) after a successful fight, as a sign of complete liberation from the gladiatorial service.

By armament, the gladiators of Ancient Rome were divided into several genera. The so-called Samnites(samnites), who wore an oblong shield, a strong sleeve on the right arm, a cuisse on the left leg, a strong belt, a helmet with a visor and crest, and a short sword. Retiarii(retiarii - "fighters with a net"), whose main weapon was the net (rete), went out almost without clothes; they were protected only by a wide belt and a leather or metal armlet on their left arm. In addition, they were armed with a trident (fuscina) and a dagger. Their art was to throw a net over the head of the enemy, and then stab him with a trident. Their opponents were usually gladiators. secutors(secutores - "pursuers"), armed with a helmet, shield and sword. In addition to secutors, they often also fought with retiarii. myrmillons(myrmillones), armed according to the Gallic model with a helmet, shield and sword. A special kind of gladiators were the Thracians (thraces), armed in Thracian, with a small, usually round shield (parma) and a short curved sword (sica). Also often mentioned essedaria(essedarii), who fought on a war chariot (esseda) drawn by a pair of horses, while the gladiators andabata(andabatae) fought on horseback, wearing helmets, with a visor without holes for the eyes, and armed with a round shield and a spear (spiculum), rushed at each other, seeing nothing.

Armament of a Thracian gladiator. Modern reconstruction

The one who organized gladiatorial games was called editor muneris or munerarius. He appointed in advance the day of the games and published their program (libellus). These libelli, which gave the number of gladiators and listed by name the most prominent of them, were diligently distributed; often bets were also made on the expected victory of one fighter or the other. At the beginning of the performance, the gladiators passed in a solemn procession through the arena, greeting the Roman emperor of the mentioned Suetonius the phrase: “Ave, Imperator (Caesar), morituri te salutant” (“Glory to you, emperor, those who are going to death greet you!” Suetonius, “Vita Claudii”, 21).

Arranged then in pairs, the gladiators began an exemplary battle (prolusio) with blunt weapons, often to music. But now the trumpet gave a signal for a serious fight, and the gladiators rushed at each other with sharp weapons. Pipes and flutes drowned out the groans of the wounded and dying. Those who retreated were driven into battle with whips and red-hot irons. If the gladiator received a wound, then they shouted: "Habet". But usually they did not pay attention to the wounds, and the battle continued until one of the fighters was left with strength. Then he lowered his weapon and, raising his index finger, begged the people for compassion and mercy. The fulfillment of a request (missio), which in later times was usually granted to the emperor, was announced by waving handkerchiefs, and probably also by raising a finger, while turning the thumb required a mortal blow. The ancient Roman people showed concern for the brave fighters, but cowardice aroused rage in him. Fallen gladiators were dragged with special hooks through the Porta Libitinensis ("gate of death") to the so-called spolarium(spolarium) and here they finished off those who still had signs of life.

"Fingers down". Painting by J. L. Gerome on the theme of gladiator fights

In Italy, Campania was the birthplace of the gladiatorial schools mentioned above, and the huge mass of slaves who gathered to study in these schools repeatedly created a serious danger for Ancient Rome with their uprisings (see Spartacus Revolt) . In the internecine wars of Otho with Vitellius, gladiators served in the troops and rendered great services in hand-to-hand combat. Although Christianity rebelled against gladiatorial games, for a long time it was unable to eradicate the addiction to these spectacles in Ancient Rome. They finally stopped, apparently, only in the reign Honoria (404).

Artistic depictions of gladiator fights are not uncommon. Of great importance is a large bas-relief found in Pompeii, representing various scenes from ancient Roman gladiatorial battles. Images of similar battle scenes have been preserved on a mosaic floor found in Nennig (in the district of Trier, Germany).

Weak-willed slaves who were driven into the arena, or adventurers hungry for wealth and blood? Who were the gladiators of ancient Rome? Disputes on this issue continue among historians to this day. Research over the past decades has shed much light on the history of this bloody sport.

During its existence, gladiator fights have been fun, punishment, and even part of political game. Gladiators caused delight and horror, they were loved and feared. Many stereotypes about gladiators and arena fights stem from the fact that they were slaves. But, however, as the results of archaeological excavations, as well as the study of ancient documents, show, things were somewhat different.

The exact date of the appearance of gladiatorial games as a form of entertainment in Ancient Rome is not known. At the same time, the Roman chronicles accurately indicate the date of the formation of gladiatorial games as a public event. It happened in 106 BC. This is also known from legal documents. So, in many resolutions of the Roman Senate it was said that from that moment on, all cities with arenas had to take care of their improvement and maintenance. Also from about 106 BC. there is evidence that the state assumed all the costs in relation to gladiator fights. It follows from this that the custom of gladiatorial games existed long before that.

The Latin word "gladiator" itself comes from the word "gladius" (sword) and is translated as a swordsman. The study of ancient Roman traditions led historians to the idea that the original gladiatorial games were some kind of punishment or execution of a court decision. Most likely, the first games of gladiators were held among the captives of military campaigns and criminals who were doomed to death. Two people were armed with swords and forced to fight. The one who survived the battle was left with his life. Apparently, this custom originated among the Roman soldiers, since the Roman army, like most ancient armies, had a "tradition" of eradicating the entire male population in the captured settlement. In the same unsophisticated way, the soldiers not only decided who to kill, but also had fun. Over time, the tradition could become widespread and become very popular among all the Romans. Of course, such games required a living resource, and here their “talking tools” came in handy for Rome. However, it is one thing to make two doomed to fight each other, and quite another to organize an unforgettable bloody way to entertain the crowd.

There were many types of gladiators. As a rule, they were differentiated according to the principle of weapons and ammunition, as well as the type of enemy they had to fight. Moreover, Roman written sources tell that in the Colosseum alone, performances of legendary battles and battles were staged, in which dozens, and sometimes hundreds of gladiators participated. Naval battles were even held in the Colosseum, for this purpose several decorative ships were placed in the arena, and the arena itself was flooded with water. All this shows that gladiatorial games from 106 BC. distinguished not only by colossal capital investments, but also by good organization. Obviously, the gladiators were not meant to be just a bunch of slaughtered slaves.

It should be understood that when comparing the battle of armed slaves in the arena, driven there from some quarry, and the battle of professional gladiators, you can find as many differences as between the fight of drunkards at the local grocery store and the fight professional boxers in the ring. This means that the gladiators had to be not just slaves, and written sources testify to this.

Of course, the vast majority of gladiators were just slaves, but only the strongest, hardiest and most prepared were suitable for an effective performance. In addition, some physical data for such an event is not enough, you need training, the ability to fight, to handle certain types of weapons. After all, it was not in vain that the type of weapon was one of the determining factors in the type and name of the gladiator. Besides, making a man fight, even a bonded one, is not so easy. Yes, the fear of death is a great stimulant, but after all, death was also waiting for the gladiators in the arena, which means there must be other incentives.

Successful gladiators, although they remained slaves, received many privileges, the number of which grew depending on the number of successful fights. So, after the first two fights, the gladiator was supposed to have a private room with a bed, a table and a figurine for prayers. After three fights, each victory or at least the survival of the gladiator was paid. Approximately one successful battle cost the gladiator the annual salary of a Roman legionnaire, which at that time was a very, very decent amount. And since the gladiators received money for their work, they should have been able to spend it somewhere. Since ammunition and weapons were fully provided by the state or master, then the place of spending money went beyond the arena.

There is a lot of written evidence that gladiators were released into the city according to special documents. Apart from this, professional gladiators did not know the need for anything. The fighters were well fed, their clothes and cleanliness were taken care of, they were provided with women and men. After each battle, the surviving wounded gladiators were treated by Roman doctors, who were famous for their excellent treatment of stab, laceration and cut wounds. Opium was used as an anesthetic. Over time, the most successful gladiators could even win their freedom, it is noteworthy that many even after that remained gladiators and continued to earn their living in this way.

With the flourishing of blood sports in ancient Rome, gladiatorial schools also appeared. The selected slaves began to be prepared, making real "death machines" out of them. The training of gladiators was already carried out according to the army model, with the addition of training in the use of exotic weapons, such as fighting with a net. After the decree of Emperor Nero in 63 AD, women began to be allowed to participate in the games. Prior to this, according to written sources, it becomes known that the inhabitants of the empire, in addition to slaves, are beginning to be accepted into gladiator schools. According to the Roman chronicle, the mortality in these schools was relatively low, given the occupation - 1 per 10 gladiators during training. Thus, we can conclude that gladiator fights at some point became something akin to sports. It is also interesting that the battle was judged not only by the emperor and the crowd, but also by a specially appointed judge, who could often influence the emperor’s decision, helping the most effective, but defeated gladiators to survive.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that the gladiators were more likely professional athletes of his time, rather than just a crowd of people driven to the slaughter without will. Romans treated gladiators with adoration. They were known to the common people. In those dark times, they were comparable in popularity to modern pop stars. In this regard, gladiators often became a political tool, the purpose of which was to win the love of the people in relation to the future emperor, because Rome was always ruled by the one whom the crowd loved. Gladiator games were banned only in 404 AD, due to the spread of Christianity in the empire. Today, the times of gladiators have become a very popular theme for movies, and enthusiasts are made from wine corks and lego.

Gladiators - from the word gladius or gladius - a Roman short sword - slave fighters who participated in fights for the amusement of the public in the Roman Empire for almost seven hundred years. One of the first mentions of gladiatorial fights is the fights of 3 pairs of gladiators at the Cow Market in Rome, in 264 BC. in honor of the wake of Brutus Pere. The last mention of gladiator fights is the decree of the emperor Honorius, about their ban.

Gladiators were slaves, either prisoners of war, or sold into slavery for debts, or criminals, sometimes free citizens. Young and well developed men they ended up in special institutions - schools of gladiators - luduses, where, under the guidance of the head of the school - lanists, they underwent military training. Trainers and teachers worked with gladiators every day, teaching them how to use a variety of weapons. At the service of the gladiators were cooks and doctors, getters. That is, gladiators lived much better than ordinary slaves, but all these services for them were the simplest investments - investing money. The better the gladiator lives, the better he fights, wins and brings more profit.

At the fights of gladiators, there was a tote - cash rates, and the owner of the winning gladiator received a considerable income. But this did not take away their slavery. In addition, on the "social ladder of slaves" gladiators stood at the lowest rung, they were nothing more than "manege dust." Although some of the gladiators could achieve liberation from slavery, there were few of them. Such gladiators received a rudis - a wooden sword, a sign of liberation from slavery. Often they became paid coaches in their own luduses.

So, gladiator fights finally enter the life of the Romans, as the most striking of the spectacles, in 106 BC. and gradually gain grandiose scope. In honor of any events: victories, "coronations", public holidays and other things, massive gladiator battles begin to take place in the Roman Colosseum and other circuses of the empire.

So, about Titus they say that he staged a monstrous performance that lasted 100 days. And Trajan marked the completion of the conquest of Dacia by putting up 5,000 pairs of gladiators. Caesar in 65 BC e. gave games in which 320 pairs of gladiators took part. Circuses or arenas for battles, as well as schools, were located, in addition to Rome, in Pozzuoli, Pompeii, Paestum, Capua and Verona.

Outside the Roman Empire, the amphitheaters were known in Nimes and Arles, in El Jem in Tunisia. Each performance attracted thousands of spectators. To avoid monotony, fights were held according to different scenarios: one-on-one and group fights, fights on chariots and horses, fights with wild animals, fights on the water on ships - the design of the Colosseum made it possible to turn the arena into a lake. Gradually, this became boring, so there were attempts to invent new combat systems and armor, and under Domitian, for example, dwarfs and even women entered the arena.

The fights themselves, as a rule, ended with the death of one of the opponents or the defeat of a group of gladiators, if it was a group fight. If the vanquished, or vanquished, remained alive, then their fate was decided by the audience. A well-known gesture - thumb down or up, decided the fate of the defeated. True, it is believed that the gestures were slightly different: fingers clenched into a fist - life, thumb set aside - death.

Allegedly, the emperor, present at the circus, showed thumb on his neck, showing where to inflict the last fatal thrust with a sword. With the advent of Christianity as the official religion of Rome, gladiator fights are falling into decline and are gradually being forgotten. Emperor Constantine in 326 AD forbids gladiatorial fights, but almost a hundred years later, in 404 AD. a decree of Honorius of a similar content is issued, so it can be assumed that the fights, for some time, continued contrary to all decrees.

In order to somehow diversify the spectacle, Roman gladiators were divided into types. Each type was armed in its own way and was used in different battles. Often the gladiators were armed, as representatives of one of the peoples conquered by Rome, the Thracians, for example; often, as some fictional characters - retiarii. But despite this, the weapons of the gladiators did not differ in variety.The main weapons were swords: gladius - a short sword of legionnaires and sika - a curved sword, a dagger-pugio; polearm - spears and tridents (many consider the trident to be a fighting pitchfork, but this is a tool for hunting large fish and sea animals); flexible - whips, lasso - rope with a loop and nets; exotic - skissor - a tube-bracer with a half-moon blade at the end. Bows and pilums - throwing spears could be used.

For protection, a slightly different helmets were used, but they all differed in a good degree of protection - closed visors for the face, wide fields from which the sword slipped, weakening the blow. Sometimes helmets were decorated with feathers or metal images of fish or birds.

The legs were protected by leggings, sometimes only one.A flexible metal sleeve was put on the arm, covering the arm from the shoulder to the hand, or simple bracers. Sometimes a special shield was attached to the shoulder, covering the shoulder, neck and head, but it could greatly limit the field of view of the gladiator. Instead of bracers and leggings, thick fabric sleeves and leggings could be used.

A wide variety of shields were in use: from huge rectangular scutums of legionnaires to small round shields.

Body protection was little used, only some types of gladiators used armor or chain mail, most made do with wide leather belts, loincloths and tunics.

Depending on the weapon and use on the battlefield, gladiators were divided into the following types:

Sagittarius - a mounted archer armed with a flexible bow capable of firing an arrow at a long distance, dressed in a tunic and without armor.

Mirmillon - had a helmet with a stylized fish on the crest (from the Latin "mormylos" - "sea fish"), as well as a bracer on the forearm, a loincloth and a belt, one greave on his right leg, thick windings covering the top of the foot, was armed with a gladius and large rectangular shield, like legionnaires. They were put up for battle against the Thracians, sometimes also against the hoplomakhs.

Secutor - specially designed for fights with retiarii. The secutor was a type of myrmillion and was armed with a large rectangular shield and a gladius, his helmet covered his entire face, except for two eye holes to protect his face from the opponent's sharp trident. The helmet was practically round and smooth, so that the net of the retiarius could not catch on it.

Provocateur ("applicant"): - his outfit could be different, he was dressed in a loincloth, a belt, a long greave on his left leg, a bracer on his right hand, and a helmet with a visor, without brim and crest, but with feathers on each side, he was the only gladiator protected by a cuirass; the weapons of the provocateur were a gladius and a large rectangular shield. Exhibited for battles with the Samnites or other provocateurs.

Goplomakh ("armed fighter") - he was dressed in a thick, cloth, trousers-like garment for legs, a loincloth, a belt, greaves, a bracer on his right hand, and a helmet with a brim and with a stylized griffin on a crest that could be decorated with a tassel of feathers at the top and single feathers on each side, was armed with a gladius, a spear and a small round shield. Exhibited for fights against the Mirmillons or Thracians.

Andabat ("located on a hill") - so named because they fought on horseback, were dressed in chain mail, like the eastern cavalry, and a helmet with a visor .. Andabats fought each other in much the same way as knights in medieval jousting tournaments.

Ekvit ("horseman") - lightly armed gladiator, was dressed in scaly armor, wore a medium-sized round shield, a helmet with fields, without a crest, but with two decorative tassels, wore a bracer on his right hand, a sleeveless tunic and a belt. Ekvit began the fight on horseback, but after throwing his spear, he dismounted and continued to fight with a short sword. Equits usually only fought other Equits.

Pegniarius - used a whip, a club and a shield, which was attached to his left hand with belts, armor and helmets were not used.

The retiarius was armed with a trident, a dagger and a net, except for a loincloth supported by a wide belt and a large shield on the left shoulder joint, he had no clothes, including a helmet. The retiarii usually fought with the secutors, but sometimes with the myrmillons.

Lakvearius - a type of retiarius who tried to catch his opponent with a lasso instead of a net.

Essedarius ("chariot fighter") - armed with mouths, which he threw at the enemy, was wearing an open helmet, bracers and chain mail.

Bestiary - armed with a dart or dagger, protected by bracers and leggings, a closed helmet and a wide belt, fought with predatory animals.

Velit - a foot gladiator, armed with a dart with a throwing cord tied to it, did not use armor, making do with fabric, thick bracers and leggings, a leather belt. Named after a division of the early Republican army

Samnite - was armed with a large rectangular shield, had a helmet decorated with feathers, a short sword, a greave on his left leg and a plate armlet.

Pregenarius - speaking at the beginning of the competition to "warm up" the crowd, a gladiator armed with a wooden sword with a body wrapped in cloth. He fought only with a fighter like himself.

Venator - a trainer who performs tricks with animals: he put his hand in the mouth of a lion; rode on a camel, keeping a lion on a leash at his side; made the elephant walk on a tightrope. He was not considered a gladiator, although he was formally. His performances were part of the gladiatorial performances. Didn't use armor or weapons.

Tertiary ("substitute") - a gladiator with a wide variety of weapons and armor. Three such gladiators entered the arena, first the first two fought each other, then the winner of this fight fought the third, who was called the tertiary.

Dimacher ("wearing two daggers") - used two swords, one in each hand, fought without a helmet and shield, was dressed in a short soft tunic, his arms and legs were bandaged with tight bandages, sometimes he wore leggings.

Scissor is the most armored gladiator: a closed helmet, plate sleeves, leggings and scaly shell or chain mail, armed with a gladius and a skissor - a tubular bracer with a half-moon blade in front, the skissor could play the role of a shield, but allowed only poke strikes or very wide sweeping hand movements.

Gallus - was armed with a spear, a helmet and a small Gallic shield, dressed in a leather belt and cloth bandages on his arms and legs.

Bustuary - any type of gladiator who fought in honor of the deceased at ritual games during the funeral rite.

Rudiarium is a gladiator who deserves release and, as a sign of this, is awarded a wooden sword - rudis, but who decides to remain gladiators. could be coaches, assistants, referee. His participation in the duel has always been very popular and spectacular, as he had great combat experience.

Now a few legends associated with gladiators.

- The life of a gladiator was valued very low. The life of a gladiator was highly valued, at least for its owner and lanista. It took a lot of time and money to raise a great fighter. Such a gladiator brought a huge income to its owner, and the death of such a gladiator brought a huge loss. For a battle won, on big holidays, the gladiator received a certain amount of money and two or three successful fights gave him the opportunity to pay for a certain degree of freedom, a separate room in the ludus, payment for the services of hetaerae and the best food.

- They often went to gladiators free people . Gladiators were considered the lowest "caste" even among slaves, and becoming a gladiator is a huge shame for a Roman citizen. But very often a citizen of Rome went to the gladiators, sometimes out of complete hopelessness, sometimes out of his own whim. Perhaps the only noble gladiator from birth was Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus - the 18th Roman emperor in 177 - 192 AD (There were fights in arenas and between senators, but Commodus, being very eccentric in everything, went through a gladiatorial school and held 735 battles in the arena, which caused outrage and displeasure of the Roman nobility.) This passion of his became one of the reasons for his murder.

- Gladiators were athletic. In all films, the gladiator looks like a bodybuilder. In fact, two or three months before the fights, the gladiators ate plentiful and fatty foods, swimming in fat for extra protection of the body - a thick layer of fat protected the internal organs.

- Gladiators - best fighters Rome. Soldiers, yes, but not soldiers. Outrageous one-on-one fighters, they did not know how to fight in an organized manner in a group, in the ranks, like legionnaires - a group battle in the arena almost immediately broke up into separate double fights. They did not know the tactics of formations, etc. This was the problem with Spartacus. He and his associates could train people to use weapons, but not to fight in an organized manner. (Even if Spartacus was a talented military man, as they say, it was difficult to teach ex-slaves to fight like legionnaires.) Gladiators could be good bodyguards, which they often were, but not soldiers.