The Performance of Gladiators in Ancient Roman Times

Gladiators played a huge role in the social identity of Romans.

Background and Status

The start of the gladiatorial games eventually led to status of the most popular gladiators.

  Weaponry and Armor

The gladiators were given a plethora of choices for armor and weaponry.

Performance of Gladiators and Audience Members

The gladiatorial games became a form of entertainment with both gladiators and audience members  as performers.

Chronology

Digital Bibliography

"Life becomes transparent against the background of death, and fundamental social and cultural issues are revealed." 
                                             -Metcalf and Huntington Celebration of Death

The death of humans is usually a disturbing sight.  In ancient Rome, however, killing others was applauded for the method, skill, or artistry used by the gladiators.  On the other hand, killing must be justified and not random in a civilized society. So, the arenas were adapted for the comfort and entertainment of the spectators and death lost is soreness and took on a form of pleasure derived from torture.  Death became a spectator sport and the viewers and the viewed both contributed to a wild and gory performance.

This web page will explore the entertainment factor of gladiatorial games.  Gladiators were the obvious performers, but the audience participated as part of the entertainment as well.

Amanda Jo Chesshir,  Communication Studies
Copyright © 2001 by University of North Texas. All rights reserved.
Revised: 30 Nov 2005 14:24:54 -0600