Gladiators

• TAL
• Special Education

Gladiators

Learning objective

I am learning about Roman gladiators and their role in the Roman society.

 

How many years ago did the Romans invade Britain?

1. 20 years
2. 200 years
3. 2000 years
4. 20,000 years

What words spring to mind when you hear the word Gladiator?

Gladiators

Roman gladiators were armed combatants who fought in violent spectacles for the entertainment of audiences in the Roman Republic and Empire. They fought other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals.

Training schools

Gladiators were trained at special schools called Ludus gladiatorius.

Armour

Gladiators wore protective armour, including a metal shoulder guard called the galerus, a metal leg guard called the ocra, and a leather and cloth strip armor called manicae. They also wore a balteus (sword belt) and a cingulum (wide leather belt reinforced with metal plates) to store their weapons. 

Participants

Gladiators came from a variety of backgrounds, including prisoners of war, criminals, and runaway slaves. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their lives and social standing.

Where did Gladiators fight?

1. In the park
2. In a castle
3. In the colosseum
4. In a football stadium

Who could become a gladiator?

1. Only retired soldiers
2. Prisoners, criminals, and volunteers
3. Only Roman citizens
4. Only wealthy individuals

What is the galerus?

1. A metal shoulder guard
2. A type of sword
3. A leather belt
4. A gladiator's helmet

What is a Ludus gladiatorius?

1. A type of gladiator
2. A gladiatorial arena
3. A gladiator training school
4. A Roman military unit

What were Roman gladiators primarily trained for?

1. Farming and agriculture
2. Building construction
3. Fighting in violent spectacles
4. Teaching military tactics

Who did Gladiators fight against?

Shield

Leg protection

Helmet

Arm protection

Shorts

Gladiators were always trained soldiers

True

False

How do you think Gladiators felt before a fight?

😒🙁😐🙂😃

Research Activity

Who was the most famous Roman gladiator?

How many people did the Colosseum hold?

Who watched the fights?