The Real Life of a Roman Gladiator

De: Alexander Mariotti, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Alexander Mariotti

The Roman gladiator has long been a figure of fascination. Portrayed frequently in fine art and popular culture alike, the gladiator is both a real part of history and a legend of a romanticized past. We know that these men entertained Roman audiences by fighting in dangerous and often deadly games. But who were the gladiators? What were their lives like? And why do they continue to have such a strong hold on our imagination, centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire?

Join historian and consultant Alexander Marriotti to explore these and other questions in The Real Life of a Roman Gladiator. Across six lectures, Alexander will trace the history of gladiators, from their earliest origins in Greek and Etruscan culture to their rise as celebrity athletes to their eventual decline as Rome’s imperial power faded. You’ll uncover where gladiators were born and trained, how they lived, and why they have become such lasting symbols of power and resilience.

While the Roman gladiator may have occupied a world and a historical moment very different from our own, you may find that we share more in common than you would expect. After all, the gladiator was an underdog—a fighter of low social standing who could, through skill and luck, achieve a level of renown on par with some of today’s most successful athletes. Ultimately, you’ll discover why the gladiator is one of our most enduring archetypes, one who serves to remind us that we, too, can overcome the odds and achieve glory.

©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

excellent presentation

listened in one night when I should have been sleeping. totally fascinating. would heartily recommend, especially before watching Gladiator.

Absolutely amazing

I would have liked an accompanying PDF and a printed version.

I found it very frustrating that after listening to the title I could not discuss with ChatGPT the content as it is not published to it.

detailed and interesting

this is a detailed and interesting exposition into the gladiator institution. I really wish it had a pdf though with the key names, dates and terms, even pictures - of the gladii, the helms, etc. It's an exciting addition to the library of any lover of roman history.

A short & not so happy life.

I enjoyed this book. When I was in Rome, they’d just begun excavating a gladiator training gym across from the Colosseum. Granted, some were the rock stars of their day, but for most, a brutal existence. It’s a shame more writings of the everyday people of Ancient Rome doesn’t exist. Enjoy!

A great overview of the gladiators

Really fun in depth look at the gladiators and how they trained and society around them during the Roman Empire days

Lackluster narration

Dull dry listening. I could not get in to it at all and I’m an ancient history nerd!

A GLIMPSE AT GLADIATORS

A walk through the history of the gladiator era with a reminder that we are not as far removed from them as we would like to think.

Excellent

Hands down best podcast out there on the history of Gladiators. Heard this guy talking on the Tides of History podcast and really enjoyed what he had to say, looked him up and found this lecture. Was not disappointed, really entertaining, insightful and well spoken but with a personal touch! Gives a down to earth, complete history of Gladiators that debunks a lot of the myths we believe about Gladiators. Really enjoyed the technical parts about the fighting and how Julius Caesar was involved in gladiator sport and how all the mistakes shown in movies get started. Hope they do another one. Highly recommended A+++++++++++

Entertaining - the perfect length

An easy listen - very worth while for anyone who has an interest in Roman history

interesting and entertaining lectures

The topic of gladiators is highly romanticized, these lectures give good insight into what wad true and what not. I think the authors conclusion is very accurate, human nature hasnt really changed that much since Roman times.
Sometimes Latin phrases are used, but don't appear to be literally translated afterwards, that was too bad.