A GLADIATORS LIFE, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES
Feb 12, 2015 14:23:21 GMT
Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Feb 12, 2015 14:23:21 GMT
The Life of a Gladiator held some appeal to free men. The living conditions of gladiators were good. And the role of a gladiator could be highly lucrative. Gladiators were paid each time they fought and they were allowed to keep any rewards and purses of money. The most successful gladiators were also treated like modern day sports stars with fan worship, fame and glory. It is therefore not surprising that some free men enrolled as gladiators. These free gladiators were ex-soldiers and some were wealthy Romans who craved the adulation and the glory given to gladiators. Other free men simply needed money to pay off their debts. Their living conditions were much better than the conscripted gladiators and they were given much more freedom and were allowed to leave the gladiator schools, or barracks. In addition to this most gladiators were only expected to fight 3 - 5 times a year. They could make more money for one fight than what a Rome Soldier made in a whole year. So which was better, life as a Roman Gladiator or life as a Roman Soldier?
Close bonds were often formed between gladiators, despite the fact that they might be called upon to kill each other. Not all matches ended in death, a gladiator had a 90% chance survival rate. The trained gladiators joined formal associations, called collegia, to ensure that they were provided with proper burials and that compensation was given to their families. It is a little known fact that some gladiators could marry, have children and even leave inheritances to their families. Gladiators could also own their own slaves. Once again for the free men or successful men the life of a gladiator was not all that bad,,,, fame, wealth and glory could be his.
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