The Legacy of Rome

Roman Gladiators were a highly trained group of people who fought against other gladiators and animals in the Roman coliseums. Most gladiators were slaves captured from other countries that Rome fought. Once Rome conquested their lands, the gladiators were taken prisoner and escorted back to Rome. Once in Rome, they went to the ludus gladiatorius, or Gladiator school, to be trained. Training was supervised by a lanista, or “butcher” who frequently abused the gladiators both physically and mentally, usually using a whip. Many thought that gladiators were only slaves. However, criminals, people in debt, and other rule breakers who were sentenced to death were also sent to the ludus gladiatorius. The gladiators were trained based on the physical attributes and skills that they possessed. There were a few different types of gladiators. The samnite was a gladiator who carried a sword, a long shield, and had a visored helmet. The retarius carried a trident, used a net to snare, and wore armor for his throwing arm.The other type of gladiator, the myrmillo, carried a dagger and a shield and was protected by leg bands and a leather belt. At the coliseum, the gladiators would always fightfirst, early in the morning. For obvious reasons, the gladiators were worried about how the lanista would rate their respective performances, and what he would do if they performed badly. After those who were condemned during the fight were killed, there were fights against animals and criminals. At the end of the day, gladiators fought again, but this time they fought to the death. Gladiators could appeal to the crowd for mercy but were quite unlikely to get it, as many crowds were not merciful. Not all gladiators died during battle, in fact, a good number...

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...ship and allowed for a deeper exploration of faith. Polytheistic religions didn’t allow for a personal relationship between its followers and its gods, and religion wasn’t a lifestyle or faith, it was simply a belief. Another thing about Christianity that appealed greatly to people was that it embraced everyone, no matter their social status or class, and that it preached eternal life for all. While many people embraced this message; just as many people despised it. The Apostles that preached Jesus’ message were just about as well received as Jesus had been. Many Christians were martyred or imprisoned, including St. Peter, the first pope, and many of Jesus’ other disciples. In the Holy Land, the Romans killed many Jews and destroyed the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, leaving only the Western Wall. The Western Wall, or “wailing wall” is today Jerusalem’s holiest shrine.