Gladiators essays

Gladiators essays Throughout history the gladiatorial games found great distinction and prestige from any other type of entertainment of its time. The first games were held in Rome in 264 BC by the two sons of Junius Brutus Pera, as a type of commemorative service in their fathers honour. After these first games word spread and interest rose exponentially. At the first games there was a total of three matches, by the time Julius Caesar was in power he had promised 320 matches for his daughter. At this point it was no longer a religious ceremony but rather had become a political event to show the elites power. These commemorative games were only to be held twice a year during the winter and summer equinox. In general, gladiators were condemned criminals, prisoners of war or slaves that were purchased for the purpose of combat. There were also professional gladiators who were men which participated of their own free will in the games. Due to the enthusiasm and skill that they possessed history shows that the spectators much preferred to witness the free men battling then the enslaved ones. Men became gladiators because they gained immediate status in society even though the gladiatorial oath forced them to act as slaves to their master and "to endure branding, chains, flogging, or death by the sword" (Petronius Satyricon, 117.5), therefore the professional gladiators were known for their loyalty, courage and discipline. The men were willing to face this, not only for their status but also to gain popularity and wealth. Young Roman boys would always associate hang around with them and try and learn the tricks of the trade. These men easily attracted many matrons, for the women enjoyed having affairs with such prestigious men. These professionals were trained in private or imperial schools known as ludi. Men became specialists in combat techniques that could capture their opponents rather then kill them quickly, because after all they were t...