The Harsh Reality of Gladiators

Gladiators weren't brave warriors choosing glory. Most were slaves, criminals,

or prisoners of war forced into brutal combat for entertainment. They lived in cells,

eating barley mush to bulk up, because a layer of fat protected vital organs from

sword cuts. Before fights, they were displayed like cattle so crowds could bet on who'd

survive. The arena sand was red not by design but stained permanently with blood.

Even winners rarely lived past their twenties. Between matches, they trained with

weights heavier than their weapons, building strength they'd need to drag themselves across

blood soaked floors. Those who survived ten fights were considered ancient by gladiator standards.