Gladiator

Gladiator, one who fought in the amphitheatre at Rome with a sword (gladius) for the amusement of the people. The first gladiator show held at Rome was that given by Marcus and Decimus Brutus in 264 B.C. on the occasion of their father's funeral. After they became a form of public entertainment they usually took place in the amphitheatre. Under the emperors they increased greatly in number and magnificence, as many as ten thousand gladiators being exhibited in honour of Trajan's victory over the Dacians. They were finally suppressed by Theodoric (500 A.D.). Gladiators were usually slaves, captives, or condemned criminals, but under the emperors senators, knights, and even women, took part in the combats. Before a show took place, a bill was displayed, giving particulars concerning the contests. The gladiators engaged in a preliminary combat with wooden swords, before the real struggle began. They were called by different names, according to their dress and equipment and the manner in which they fought. When a gladiator was wounded, he was at the mercy of the spectators, who could save his life by turning down their thumbs or cause his instant execution by pointing them upwards. Palms were awarded to the victorious combatants.