Life of a gladiator was not an easy. When a new recruit, called a novice entered one of the gladiators’ schools he was assessed by the owner of the school, a doctor and the trainer. When they had completed their initial training and were ready to fight in the arena they were called Tirones gladiatores or Tiro. His day started at dawn when their cells were unlocked and they were sent for the first meal of the day. Strict discipline was enforced and new gladiators were not allowed to speak at mealtimes and were bound in shackles unless they were training.
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The gladiator lived in small compounds attached to gladiator training schools known as “ludus” or travelled in troupes known as “familia. Most gladiators were slaves. They were subjected to a rigorous training, fed on a high-energy diet, and given expert medical attention. Hence they were an expensive investment, not to be dispatched lightly.
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The gladiator lived in small compounds attached to gladiator training schools known as “ludus” or travelled in troupes known as “familia. Most gladiators were slaves. They were subjected to a rigorous training, fed on a high-energy diet, and given expert medical attention. Hence they were an expensive investment, not to be dispatched lightly.
