Gladiators were usually either slaves, criminals, or prisoners of war. Some might even be free men who joined for the adventure and/or fame. New gladiators were called novicius. They were brought to the training school (ludus). The owner was called the lanista. He had to determine what category the novicius was placed in so a doctor (medici) would examine the rookie. He would be allotted to a certain type of style based on body shape, etc. Often a prisoner of war would be trained to use the weapons of his people. The trainer was called a doctores. They were usually ex-gladiators. The trainees used wooden weapons. They were valuable properties, so the lanista did not want to risk injury or death. The training was rough, but life in the ludus had its perks. They were fed well, mostly protein. The hygiene was better than for most Romans as they had daily baths and massages. Occasionally they were given a night with a female slave. Gladiators were celebrities in Ancient Rome. Their blood was considered to be an aphrodisiac and was sold for high prices. It was also believed that their blood cured epilepsy. But you had to drink it from the wound. Sometimes an epileptic would jump into the arena and suck on a dying gladiator. It was rare for a match to end in death, because of the value of the gladiators. But death was inevitable, unless you bought your freedom with the money you earned from victories. Burial was important. Gladiators formed unions called collegia where for a fee, they would be given a decent burial with a tombstone by their mates. There was also a little something for their wife and kids. It was sure better than being thrown in the Tiber or fed to the beasts so they would develop a taste for human flesh.
https://historycollection.co/17-facts-about-gladiators-that-make-us-cringe/
http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/gladiators/life-of-a-gladiator.htm
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