The World of the Gladiator Paperback – Illustrated, September 1, 2005

Nice book for general reading about the history of the gladiator. It give an all around picture of the times in Rome and how the gladiator came into being and their evolution from a funeral rite to the massive games of the Arena. The reading is not too technical and is a easy read. I am pleased to add it to my library.

The book's content is really good. I love that part of it. It is thorough and entertaining. However, for how expensive the book is, the weak glue binding is extremely disappointing. A section of 20 or so pages has already fallen out of the book and I'm not even halfway through it yet.

Aimed at the general reader, this book delves into one of the most fascinating aspects of Roman life: gladiators. The Romans were mad for gladiator fights, and nearly every city the size of a speck boasted an amphitheater.Because gladiators, especially at first, were drawn from the condemned, Romans looked down upon them as a class. "It was a social stigma to be an actor, as it was to be a gladiator; no decent person would wish to perform in public, whether in the scaena or the arena, as it would expose them to contempt and derision. Strangely, the charioteer was exempted from this social leprosy. For this reason, most performers in Rome were outsiders, foreigners, or slaves; anything but Roman citizens" (p 31). Later some debt ridden, desperate Roman men did volunteer to be gladiators, however.The arena was drenched with blood. Gladiators did not always fight to the death--their lives were considered too valuable to be thrown away cheaply, but the arena saw plenty of death every day. Elephants were trained to crush condemned men underfoot "Christian noxii were a common sight in the area" (p 29), dragged there to be slaughtered.The book is rich in interesting anecdotes, such as the fact that the emperor Valentinian kept his favorite man-eating bears in cages right outside his bedroom. Must have made for happy dreams.Recommended.The book has plenty of pictures, also, some in color.

Apologies, but I couldn't help using that quote. Contrary to what many people think, it was only attested once, so it wasn't what all gladiators said before they fought. In this outstanding text, Shadrake puts to bed many popular myths about gladiators.Starting with the origins of the gladiatorial fights at the funeral of prominent men, she follows the development of the 'sport' right into the Empire, detailing the training, the equipment, the classes of fighters and so on. She uses historical reference at all times, as well as making interesting comparisons to modern life. There are plentiful illustrations and excellent colour photos of gladiator reenactors, and a great section detailing the whole spectacle of a fight.For anyone who's interested in gladiators, this book is a "must-buy". Top class stuff.Ben Kane, author of Spartacus: The Gladiator.

This is a very comprehensive account of Gladiatorial combat.I recommend the bookseller Greener because although the book was a few days late arriving they very generously gave me a full refund.The book was a second hand copy but in as good as new condition.

Good read