In ancient Rome, gladiators were professional fighters who fought to the death in front of crowds of spectators. Although often slaves, criminals, or prisoners of war, some gladiators were free men who chose to fight in the arena for wealth and fame.
Here are some of the most famous gladiators in Roman history.
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Spartacus
Spartacus was a Thracian slave who was sold to a ludus, or gladiator school, in Capua, Italy. In 73 BC he led a slave revolt against the Roman Republic. Although his rebel army was ultimately defeated, Spartacus became a folk hero for his role in the rebellion. His story was popularized in the 1960 film Spartacus starring Kirk Douglas.
Commodus
Commodus was Roman emperor from 180-192 AD. He was an incredibly unpopular ruler and is perhaps best known for his reign of terror where he had thousands of people killed, including senators and high-ranking officials.
He also enjoyed fighting as a gladiator in the arena and is believed to have killed over 500 animals during public games. However, it is said that Emperor Commodus probably cheated in many or all of his victories against both animals and humans.
Interestingly, Commodus declared himself Hercules and renamed Rome Colonia Commodiana.
Flamma
Flamma was a Syrian gladiator who fought over 30 matches before being killed in the arena at the age of 28. During his career, Flamma won 21 times by knockout and 10 times by submission. He fought both as a retiarius (a type of gladiator who fought with a net and a three-pronged spear) and as a secutor (a type of gladiator who fought with a sword and shield).
Flamma withdrew from battle after being seriously injured in the arena, but was persuaded to return for a final battle that ended in his death.
Spartacus, Commodus and Flamma were thus three of the most famous gladiators in Roman history, who are known for their performances in the arena.