Life of a Gladiator
The life of a Gladiator could be compared to the life of a modern day professional athlete. Gladiators lived a lavish life much greater than the lower class of Ancient Rome. With food, medicine, and baths all at the tip of their fingers, they were to use all their energy and focus to fight against each other. These fighters were primarily used for inhumane entertainment. Many Gladiators were slaves, criminals, and some free men. Gladiators were first used for funeral ceremonies to reenact the dead one’s life. Gladiators were later used in entertaining the people.
They would fight wild beast such as lion, tigers, and elephants and even fight each other. Even though they were sure to be killed for the enjoyment of Ancient Roman citizens, Ancient Roman Gladiators lived a life of luxury. Ancient Gladiators lived a well-appointed lifestyle. For example they were given hot and cold baths constantly. The Ancient Roman citizens did not have this available to them. Disease was also abundant throughout Ancient Rome, but doctors to keep disease and infection to a minimum treated Gladiators daily.
Another example of benefits given to a Gladiator was women for their personal needs. Women were used by the Ancient Gladiators as slaves and for coitus. Gladiators who became successful were allowed to have their own home and even a family. The Gladiator trainers and sponsors treated their fighters as if they were their prized possessions. Gladiators were on a high protein diet and took place in a magnificent feast the night before a battle would take place. This felt promising to the trainers and sponsors in that their Gladiators would be physically prepared for the next day when they would be in battle.
All Gladiators were cared for substantially by their trainers and sponsors. Ancient Gladiators lived a lavish life where anything and everything was given to them in order to keep them in the perfect shape for combat. The Gladiators were sure of death but enjoyed the luxurious life as they could. Many Gladiators were slaves, criminals or members of captured of enemy armies, but a lot of Gladiators were freemen. Many retired military men became Gladiators so they could showcase their fighting abilities in the arena.
A lot of men who decided to become Gladiators joined for the wealth that came with it. Becoming a Gladiator was a good way for citizens to make money. Many men used this money to pay off debt or support their family. The living conditions of Gladiators were very good. The free men whom became Gladiators were free to do as they pleased and could keep any of the money thrown into the arena during a battle. Many of these men not only craved the wealth but also the fame that came with being a successful Gladiator. The most successful Gladiators became very popular with the Ancient Roman citizens.
These Gladiators were treated like royalty and were given much wealth and power by the Roman government. These Gladiators were only expected to fight 3-5 times a year and could do as they pleased in their off time. There were many reasons one would seek to become a Gladiator. The living conditions of a Gladiator were much better than the living condition of a lower class Roman citizen. Food and medical care were supplied to these men as well. They were on strict diets but did not have to pay for the food which a luxury in its self.
Doctors were always present to make sure the Gladiators were in top fighting condition. Men in top fighting condition would put on a better show for the Ancient Roman citizens and this would bring more money to the Gladiator and his Sponsor. Much fame came with being a successful Gladiator. These successful Gladiators were famous for their actions in the arena and this is what made them so popular. A successful Gladiator received better care and acquired more money and wealth in their career than many citizens did at this time.
Slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war were all forced to be Gladiators in the Ancient Roman Empire, but the wealth and glory of becoming a Gladiator appealed to many free men. The living conditions of an Ancient Gladiator were high above the living conditions of many Ancient Roman citizens. The upkeep of a Gladiator was extensive and were kept at top physical shape. Ancient Gladiators enjoyed the life of luxury and adored the fame and fortune, but being a Gladiator ultimately ended in a bloody death in front of all of Rome to see.
