The Roman Amphitheater.

by: Camille Butera

Gladiators
A gladiator was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their legal and social standing and their lives by appearing in the arena. Most were despised as slaves, schooled under harsh conditions, socially marginalized, and segregated even in death.

Murmillo
The murmillo wore a helmet with a stylized fish on it, as well as an arm guard , a loincloth and belt, and a very short greave with an indentation for the padding at the top of the feet. The murmillo carried a gladius and a tall, oblong shield in the legionary style.

Retiarius
The retiarius was a net fighter who carried a trident, a dagger, and a net. The retiarius wore a loincloth held in place by a wide belt and an arm guard. He fought without a helmet. Occasionally a metal shoulder shield was added to protect the neck and lower face.

Hypogeum
The Hypogeum was a name for a series of underground tunnels under the Colosseum where slaves and animals were kept ready to fight for the gladiatorial games. The animals and slaves would be let up through trapdoors under the sand-covered arena at any time during a fight.

Ventatio
The Ventatio were animal hunts held in Roman arenas. They were also used for executions of criminals and Christians. They mostly featured wild, exotic animals like lions.