"He vows to endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten,
and to be killed by the sword."
The gladiator's oath as cited by Petronius (Satyricon, 117).
A gladiator, literally a swordsman, entertained audiences in the Empire in combat against 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 set apart even in death.
Yet they offered audiences an example of Rome's martial ethics. By fighting and dying well without fear or cowardice, they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim.
Gladiators were celebrated in high and low art, and their value as entertainers was commemorated in precious and commonplace objects throughout the Roman world.
Bringing The Arena To Life
Comitatus uses archaeological finds, backed up by a considerable body of artistic and written evidence to bring gladiators back from the dead. Our professional display aims to be educational exciting and very very entertaining.This display offers the perfect package for clients on a budget, or those
wanting something extra to their Roman festival.
