Concept in Definition ABC

The legacy of the civilization of ancient Rome is still alive today. The Romans created the right as we know it, they promoted great civil constructions and Latin is the language Originally from Romance languages ​​such as Spanish, French or Italian. Despite its great achievements, it should not be forgotten that the entire economic activity it depended on the slaves and that the main entertainment consisted of celebrations in the circus where gladiators shed their blood.

Gladiators were true media stars for the Romans

At present the sport mass is the training of the globalized world. 2000 ago, the Romans had fun watching gladiators fight each other in the circus arena and most of them died.

The gladiator fight, ludi gladiatori in Latin, was the public spectacle par excellence. These warriors could fight in various ways: in pairs, in groups or as if they were two opposing armies. Most of them were prisoners of war or slaves who had been sentenced to death for some serious crime. After a period of training in different fighting techniques, they went out to the circus arena parading before the spectators. Meanwhile, the musicians in the stands announced their appearance with brass and wind instruments.

metal. They then went to the emperor to greet him (Hail Cesar, morituri te salutant, that is, those who are going to die greet you).

Not all combatants were the same, but they all knew they could die in combat

The retiarii were practically naked and their weapons were a trident, a net and a dagger. The Samnites wore clothing similar to that of Roman soldiers, a winged helmet, a shield, a protector on the right arm, and a sword. In any case, the fight between them was to the death and if the loser did not die, the audience in attendance became the referee of the fight (with the thumb signal down it was indicated that the winner should finish off the defeated gladiator and if the public waved handkerchiefs they were expressing that the gladiator should be pardoned).

Other pastimes of the Romans

While gladiator fighting was the most highly rated spectacle, there were other forms of entertainment. The fights of beasts or venationes consisted of fights between large wild animals, usually tigers, bears, lions or elephants.

The Romans were very fond of sports activities, such as the launch javelin, wrestling or gymnastics. To relax they went to the hot springs to enjoy the hot water baths and the slaves' massages.

Photos: Fotolia - sila5775 / matiasdelcarmine

Themes in Gladiator