The gladiators were among the most fascinating and controversial characters of imperial Rome. Originally prisoners of war, slaves or criminals, some of them managed to gain their freedom thanks to their fighting skills. The gladiators trained hard in the "ludus", specialized schools, where they were prepared for fights inside the arenas, such as the famous Colosseum. Their often bloody performances were a combination of skill, strength and spectacle that attracted thousands of spectators.

A curious aspect is that, despite the danger of the fighting, some free men volunteered to become gladiators, attracted by the fame and prestige that they could obtain. Gladiators were seen as popular heroes, and some of them became real idols of the crowds, with dedicated fans and, sometimes, even sponsors. Gladiator fights symbolized the strength, discipline and power of Rome, making these spectacles a pillar of Roman culture.