Gladiator School in Rome?

Despite all the magic that surrounds Roman gladiators, they were simply a fighting slave in Ancient Rome used to amuse the nobles. The name gladiator derives from gladius, the sword used by them in fights. Today we are going to get to know the Roman gladiators better and, in the end, a little surprise for you: a gladiator course in Rome, don’t miss it! Now let’s get to our Special Post of the day: Gladiator School in Rome? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

Introduction

Anyone who likes bloodthirsty, agile and battle-filled films, certainly LOVED one of the biggest box-office hits of all time, winner of five Oscar statuettes, including the best film: The Gladiator (2000), with Russel Crowe. In the film, Crowe plays General Maximus Decimus Meridius, one of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) trusted men. While the Emperor guides his army to fight Germanic barbarians, Maximus discovers that Marcus Aurelius intends to pass the power of the empire into his hands, since he is already very weak. However, as life not always a bed of roses, the Emperor’s son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), discovers his father’s plans and, before everything can be agreed, he simply orders his death.

Film Based on Real Events

The year is 180 AD, and, not satisfied, Commodus orders the killing of Maximus’s family as well. Maximus, then, becomes a slave and is placed in the arena to fight bloodthirsty battles, but his objective is, in fact, to avenge the deaths of his emperor and his family, until the expected moment comes: the battle between him and Commodus. For those who watched the film, you know how it ends, for those who did not: don’t worry, because we will not give spoilers! 😉 The film, although based on real characters, is 100% faithful to what actually happened: in fact, Commodus took over when his father died affected by a plague and, while Commodus takes the throne, Maximus manages to escape death and ends up being “condemned” to become a slave and a gladiator. Conquering the audience, Maximus challenges the Commodus himself and … Watch the movie, because from now on: the story is the same!

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1) Gladiator School in Rome? ABOUT COMBATS

Although many believe that the origin of the fighting is Roman, it was discovered that, in fact, the origin of the fighting between gladiators is Etruria and, initially, they were carried out to honor some men in their funeral acts, the term used was munus. Initially, it was something restricted to members of the Roman elite and the first report dates from 264 BC in Rome. When the “bread and circuses” policy emerged, in a Rome devastated by hunger, the presentations started to be shown to a large audience in the amphitheaters and stopped being funeral ceremonies. The clashes took place in amphitheaters and what stands out most, of course, is the Roman Colosseum, called the Amphitheater Flavius, built in 80 AD, the structure could house up to eighty thousand spectators from all layers of Roman society and in days of fights was CROWDED!

On the Prohibition of Combat

During the 19th century, many were opposed to gladiator games; the Greeks said that “Man should be sacred to other Men”, therefore, they condemned the practice. In 399, gladiator games were banned, mainly for political reasons: only because some emperors were afraid of the popularity of some gladiators, they thought that, eventually, a very popular gladiator could win over the population and threaten his government, making with him to fall from his imposing position. Furthermore, the idea that a group of rebel gladiators could come together to take power from the emperor’s hands, terrified the ruler and, therefore, to avoid any kind of threat, clashes were forbidden.

2) Gladiator School in Rome? TYPES OF GLADIATORS

There were about eight types of gladiators and, although not all have been “deciphered”, we can have an idea of the role of each of them.

The Samnites

There were the Samnites, who were the oldest type of gladiator, they were baptized like that because they use the equipment left behind by the Samnite warriors (enemies of Rome in the early days of the republic). They wore a rectangular shield, a short sword (gladius) and a helmet decorated with feathers: without a doubt, the image that most people have in mind when we talk about the subject. However, under Augustus, they were banned as they would offend Samnite citizens, who became allies.

The Thracians

There are also Thracians, warriors from Thrace who wore a square shield, a shield on their right arm and wielded a curved sword. His helmet was peculiar, as it had a mane tilted forward and, at the tip, a carved a griffin head ornamented with feathers.

The Hoplomachus

Hoplomachus were one of the most difficult styles to identify; similar to the Thracian, they also used leg protection and a wonderful ornate helmet, the difference between them was a straight sword and a small round shield.

The Retiarii

The Retiarii were the most recognizable gladiators on sight: they used a trident and a net, that’s all! The net was used to immobilize the opponent and the trident, obviously, to attack him. Another striking feature was the use of the galerus, which was nothing more than a bronze plaque used on the left shoulder to protect himself while attacking.

The Secutor

The Secutor was also called Contraretiarius and used a straight sword and a small, round, simple, unadorned helmet to prevent it from being trapped in Retiarius’ net. Its fighting characteristic was to go over the opponent and fight very close, surrounding the enemy with agility and, thus, facilitating the attack.

The Murmillo

The Murmillo received its name because of a fish, the murma, carved in its helmet, was easily recognized by the openings in the front and by the straight mane at the top. He would fight Thracians and Hoplomachus, and with his chest exposed. He wielded a gladius, and wore a large, heavy rectangular shield.

The Provocator

The Provocator is one of the least known gladiators. They say that they used a protection up to half of the leg, a helmet with a visor, simple and without mane, in addition to a rectangular shield. They only fought among gladiators of the same style.

The Eques

Finally yet importantly, we have the Eques, which were peculiar because they fought on horseback. They wielded a short sword, or a spear, and a small round shield, with a metal tunic as a garment. They fought a lot against other Eques and simulated cavalry battles.

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3) Gladiator School in Rome? CURIOSITY

Legend has it that the “negative” gesture, with the thumb down, came from this period! The Pollice verso or Verso Pollice is a Latin expression for “thumbs down” and was used in ancient Rome to confirm the defeat of a gladiator and, the end of that defeated gladiator, was death with a blow to the jugular. In fact, there are several controversies about the history of the gesture, as some historians insist that the gesture has existed for some time, while others defend the theory that it was created at that time.

4) Gladiator School in Rome? GET TO KNOW THE LUDUS HADRIANI SCHOOL

How about the gladiator school? The Ludus Hadriani school – the largest gladiator trainer – offers a practical class with instructors specialized in ancient Rome fighting techniques. Here you will get to know the entire collection of unique pieces that were part of the world of gladiators, will be accompanied by an instructor, and get to know everything about this fascinating world.

After visiting the museum and brief explanations, you will go straight to a “training” for gladiators. The class lasts two hours and you will learn various techniques, the way it was done centuries ago. You will wear the complete armor, be able to “play” with wooden swords and heavier weapons, such as the gladius, in addition to taking home a diploma recognized as a gladiator who will have registered your new name as a gladiator! Tempting, isn’t it? You can start thinking about your name (lol). Oh, EVERYTHING IN ENGLISH! Did you like it?

Attention

Children up to five years old can attend classes, but will not be able to participate in the practical course, O.K.?
Unfortunately, it is not suitable for people with physical disabilities.

Tip

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Course at the Gladiators School!
CLICK HERE WITHOUT COMMITMENT AND CHECK IT OUT!

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Hotel I suggest near the Historic Center

If you are passionate about art and would like to stay in the center where you can move around walking, as well as having countless possibilities for places to have lunch / dinner or a snack, I advise you to stay in the historic center. Regions near the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and the Villa Borghese, Piazza Spagna and Piazza Navona can be considered as “historic center”. These are the most expensive areas, but you will be close to everything, literally!

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Hotels that I suggest near the San Giovanni Region

For those who want to find cheaper alternatives in quiet areas, but at the same time close to the means of transport to the center, I suggest the region of San Giovanni or Monti (near the metro stations San Giovanni, Castro Pretorio and Circus Massimo) – which it is a more residential neighborhood; therefore, more economical and quiet! And with just 15 minutes by subway you will be in the center too!

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Hotels I suggest near Vatican City

An interesting area to stay and a little cheaper than the historic center is the Vatican area (Vatican Museums) which is very well connected with everything.

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Hotel I suggest near Termini Station

For those who prefer to stay in neighborhoods that have good access to the rest of the city and at a better price, then you should choose accommodation in the surroundings of Termini Station (from where a dense network of public means of transport starts, serving both: the local people and tourists).

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Hotels that I suggest in Trastevere

For those who prefer to “taste” authentic and characteristic Rome, there is nothing better than booking a hotel in Trastevere (on the outskirts of the city’s historic river), full of typical Roman history and traditions, known for the tortuous streets of sampietrini stones and the centers medieval style housing.

The neighborhood is in the historic center and to the right of the Tevere River, in the midst of a spectacular landscape, where each visitor can observe the countless churches and squares (such as Santa Maria in Trastevere). In addition, this neighborhood offers several local restaurants and canteens for those who want to try typical Roman cuisine.

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Conclusion

Gladiator School in Rome? Playing gladiator is really cool! You will be transported to remote times, when everything was perhaps easier, perhaps more difficult, but undoubtedly very interesting! And if you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.

Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?

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