Gladiators: 100 BC-AD 200

Stephen Wisdom's interest in history was first awakened through his involvement with medieval drama, an interest that continues to influence his writing and illustrating career. An experienced re-enactor, he believes that a historical drama can educate just as well as a textbook, and he has undertaken a variety of historical roles. Based in a quiet village in England, he currently devotes himself to writing, sculpture, and making armour. Angus McBride is one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, and has contributed to more than 70 Osprey titles in the past three decades. Born in 1931 of Highland parents but orphaned as a child, he was educated at Canterbury Cathedral Choir School. He worked in advertising agencies from 1947, and after national service, emigrated to South Africa. He now lives and works in Cape Town.

From the high-walls and cheering crowds of the Coliseum to the dark dungeons where prisoners spent their last peaceful moments, Konstantin Nossov brings the world of the Roman gladiator to life. Using the latest research, Konstantin reconstructs the history of these men who battled for the entertainment of the masses, covering the evolution of gladiatorial combat, the types of gladiator, their equipment, their way of life, and their social status. Although most gladiators were slaves, who fought and died at the whims of the crowd, many were able to elevate their status and their lives through victories in the arena to become as popular as today's superstar athletes. Gladiators came from almost every walk of Roman life, from slaves and prisoners forced to fight to volunteers and even nobles who relished the opportunity to test their martial skills. This book covers all aspects of these warriors and paints an intimate portrait of their complex, dangerous and often deadly lives.

A new look at the Roman gladiator using the latest research to reconstruct their lives and their blood battles in the arena.

Introduction · Chronology · Historical background · Recruitment · The Revolt of Spartacus, 73-71 BC · We who are about to die - the condemned criminals · Acquisition of fighters · Danaos - a new recruit · Daily life · Accommodation · Social life and daily routine · Organisation of the schools throughout the empire · Training · Appearance and dress · Undergarments · Fabric body protection · Metal leg and arm defence · Parade armour · Helmets and headgear · The Thracian · The myrmillo · The retiarius · The secutor · Other types of gladiator · Stage hands and arena equipment · Weapons and shields · Gladiator psychology · The rudius · The gladiator in combat · The build-up · The parade in the arena: early morning · The venation: beast hunting · The afternoon show: the noxii · The familia gladiatoria · Retirement · Chances of survival · Colour plate commentary · Re-enactment · Glossary · Bibliography · Index