gladiators - mr. jewkes' classroom · gladiators were mainly slaves, but some gladiators were...

Ancient Roman Entertainment

Gladiators

Acrostic PoemWhile listening to Mr. Jewkes talk about ancient Roman gladiators, you will complete an acrostic poem. Remember, you need to have a phrase ( at least 3 words long) for each letter, starting with each letter in the word “gladiator”.

Gladiators● The Gladiatorial Games were

introduced by Julius Caesar as a form of entertainment in 105 B.C.E and lasted until 404 C.E.

● A gladiator is someone who is armed with weapons, armor, and trained to fight in an arena.

● Arenas, such as the Colosseum, were built all around the Roman Empire.

Gladiators● Gladiators were very valuable

and EXPENSIVE● Wealthy aristocrats bought

gladiators to better their chances in the arena and make more money.

● The emperor would have gladiators reenact famous battles, replicating close to the same number of people, and types of animals even, of that battle.

Life of a gladiator● Gladiators were mainly slaves, but

some gladiators were Roman citizens that volunteered, usually to help pay off debts they owed.

● Gladiator training was rough, and they trained every day.

● The owners of gladiators fed them a rich, high protein diet to make them big and strong.Actually, gladiators were a bit chubby.

Began every show with…

“Hail emperor, we who are about to die salute you.”

Life of a gladiator● In the arena, gladiators fought

until their opponent gave up, was wounded or killed.

● Gladiators did not die very often in matches. Gladiators would allow their defeated opponent live. However, if the emperor was present, the winning gladiator would honorably wait for the emperor's decision… to release or kill his defeated opponent.

Ave imperator, morituri te salutant!

Mitte! live!

Iugula! Execute him!

Life of a gladiator● Gladiators traveled from city to

city to fight in arenas.● Some were skilled enough to have

sponsors, and lived better lives.● Gladiators were all sorts of

ages...even kids were sold and trained as gladiators.

● A gladiator’s purpose was to serve their role honorably, winning or even losing.

● The better the gladiator, the more that the people loved him. Even Emperor Commodus tried his luck and fought in the arena!

“FYI” About Gladiators