In the morning of the games, the gladiators would parade in the Colosseum.
But the morning's entertainment was dedicated to the animals.
Some wild/exotic animals could be displayed, whilst others were hunted in venationes.
Starving tigers, panthers, and lions were let out of cages to be confronted in long and dangerous chases by bestarius (beast fighters).
For variety, animals were goaded to fight each other.
An elephant versus bulls was a feature of games in 79BC.
Sometimes criminals were exposed, unarmed, to the starving beasts.
Nero famously fed Christians to the lions.
Around midday there was light entertainment (many rich Romans would eat a light lunch).
Comedians could perform to the crowds.
There would be humorous mock gladiator fights fought between people with fake weapons and other novelty items.
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The Afternoon
A war trumpet would announce the serious business, where men killed.
Usually pairs of gladiators fought but sometimes teams were larger.
Gladiators were highly trained and skilful.
The victorious gladiator would live to fight another day and, occasionally, popular fights were awarded the golden fight that freed them from fighting again.
Many fights ended in the death of one of the contestants.
Those that lost could plead for mercy.
It is believed that giving the thumbs down actually meant that the gladiator should be spared and the thumbs up would condemn a man to death.
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Who Were Gladiators
Most gladiators had no choice but to fight.
Slaves, prisoners of war, or condemned criminals lived in barracks under a lanista (meant butcher and acted as a trainer).
Gladiators were prized possessions; they had expert medical attention and good food to keep themselves strong.
Gladiators were dressed to resemble barbarians.
The more far-fetched the weapons/armour were, the more barbarous the gladiators seemed.
This also made the fights a celebration of Rome's empire. The types of gladiators:
Samnites: named after an Italian tribe conquered by the Romans.
Retarius: had a trident/fish harpoon, a dagger and net attached to a cord to allow them to throw more than once. They resembled a fisherman so they fought murmillones.
Murmillones: recognisable by a helmet depicting a fish.
Thracians: carried a curved dagger and a small square or round shield and were regarded as being the most skilful of the gladiators.
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Why Did People Love The Gladiator Battles?
Theatrics Of The Event:
The games were extravagant and entertainment was varied.
People had favourite gladiators and many gladiators became famous.
The most enjoyable thing: deciding the fate of the losing gladiator.
Atmosphere:
Big battles would be advertised in advance so wealthy Romans could be invited to watch the gladiator feast (for their final meal).
Tickets were free but could be hard to come by, and the quality of seats would depend on the person's social status.
Earlier events built up to the biggest and most ostentatious events.
People selling their wares and snacks, men gambling and crowds anticipating blood created an atmosphere that Romans loved.
The Courage, Athleticism, And Brutality Of Battle:
Gladiators were extremely well-trained and athletic fighters.
The courage of the gladiators pleased the crowds.
The Roman writer Cicero, regarded it as a good lesson for society: "Did you ever see even a mediocre gladiator utter a groan or register pain on his face? That's strong discipline and training for you"
Cowardly fighters were despised by the crowd and would be heckled.
Some loved the brutality - they were guaranteed bloodshed and death.
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