While legionaries fought for the glory of Rome, gladiators fought for the entertainment of Rome.

Gladiators were professional warriors who fought one another and wild animals. Gladiator battles took place in giant arenas in cities throughout the Roman Empire. Sometimes, gladiators fought to the death.

Fun fact: the term gladiator comes from gladius, the Latin word for sword.

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Text: Adam Sewall; Image: Jenny M Buccos