Online: Gladiators! with Toni McKeen

Gladiators in ancient Rome are often romanticized as heroic fighters or vilified as brutal combatants, but the truth of their existence encompasses a far broader and more complex spectrum. Their world was one of harsh realities, rigorous discipline and, occasionally, surprising opportunities. Many gladiators were prisoners of war, slaves or criminals, yet some were free men seeking fame, fortune or the thrill of combat.

The Roman gladiatorial games originated from funeral rites, particularly from the Etruscan tradition. These rites initially involved human sacrifice and bloodshed as a form of tribute to the deceased, believed to appease their spirits. The practice evolved over time, transforming into the gladiatorial combats of the Roman era.

Learn about this and much more with Toni McKeen, a frequent lecturer on many topics such as travel, architecture and notable people.

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