A gladiator was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their lives and their legal and social standing by appearing in the arena. Most were despised as slaves, schooled under harsh conditions, socially marginalized, and segregated even in death. Irrespective of their origin, gladiators offered spectators an example of Rome's martial ethics and, in fighting or dying well, they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim. They were celebrated in high and low art, and their value as entertainers was commemorated in precious and commonplace objects throughout the Roman world. The origin of gladiatorial combat is open to debate. There is evidence of it in funeral rites during the Punic Wars of the 3rd century BC, and thereafter it rapidly became an essential feature of politics and social life in the Roman world.
About Gladiator
Seeking revenge for the murder of his family by a power-hungry and corrupt son of an emperor, Maximus rises from his new ranks as a slave and becomes a fighter in the gladiatorial arena.
Achievement of Gladiator
The movie won five Academy Awards including the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film grossed over $457 million worldwide.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Gladiator
3rd-century BC establishments in the Roman Republic.. Gladiator types.. Gladiatorial combat.. Roman gladiators.. Sports occupations and roles.. Violence in sports.. Ancient Roman culture.. 260s BC establishments.. Animal cruelty incidents.
