The gladiators were among the most fascinating and controversial figures of Imperial Rome. Originally prisoners of war, slaves, or criminals, some of them managed to earn their freedom thanks to their combat skills. The gladiators trained hard in the "ludus," specialized schools where they were prepared for fights inside the arenas, such as the famous Colosseum. Their performances, often bloody, were a combination of skill, strength, and spectacle that attracted thousands of spectators.

An interesting aspect is that, despite the danger of the fights, some free men volunteered to become gladiators, attracted by the fame and prestige they could gain. Gladiators were seen as popular heroes, and some of them became true idols of the crowds, with dedicated fan bases and, sometimes, even sponsors. The gladiator fights symbolized the strength, discipline, and power of Rome, making these spectacles a pillar of Roman culture.