Gladiator School in Rome.
Whenever you let your imagination drift to what it might have been like to live in ancient Rome during the era of gladiator games, do you picture yourself as a fearless warrior battling it out in the arena, or as a spectator cheering from the stands? In modern Rome, you still have that choice, with Gladiator School or a Gladiator Show.
A visit to the Colosseum is definitely a must-do in Rome, but it can be hard to really understand what it must have been like when it was in use – the stands full of people, the dungeons beneath crowded with ferocious wild animals and men preparing to fight for their lives. Of course, there’s no way to truly recreate that life-or-death feeling today, but there are a couple of ways you can give your imagination something to work with that may help you understand ancient Rome a little better.
Roman Gladiator School
Students testing their new skills at Gladiator School.
Enroll in a two-hour private session at Gladiator School in Rome for hands-on lessons in the art of combat. Instructors are members of the Historic Group of Rome, so this isn’t just theater – the things they teach students are based in what we know of gladiator combat in ancient Rome.
You’ll be outfitted in gladiator garb and (safe but authentic) weaponry, and you’ll learn the basics of fighting with a sword and shield. Everyone who enrolls will get a certificate of accomplishment, and there’s no requirement to take part in any actual fighting, but if you’re feeling well-prepared by your training there’s an optional gladiatorial tournament with a prize for the winner.
Imperial Rome Gladiator Show
Gladiators demonstrating the art of combat.
Perhaps you always imagined yourself to be more of the Roman nobility type, watching the games rather than participating. In that case, you can spend an evening in Rome watching a gladiator dinner show at Gruppo Storico Romano.
The 1.5-hour show is meant to be a reasonable facsimile of ancient Roman gladiatorial games (without the actual death, of course), complete with ancient Roman dance performances before the gladiators take the ring in replica costumes and real weaponry. When the show is over, you’ll have dinner that includes traditional ancient Roman components.
- Contributed by Jessica Spiegel
Become a Gladiator or a Spectator: Your Choice in Rome from Viator Rome
