Gladiators at Pompeii

by Luciana Jacobelli

The brutal, thrilling world of gladiators was a popular motif in the art of Pompeii, as this informative book demonstrates. Gladiators at Pompeii , illustrated with striking Pompeiian depictions of these ancient combatants, presents a complete picture of the gladiators of the Roman Empire and
the highly organized and regulated tournaments in which they competed. Luciana Jacobelli reveals the latest evidence on the best-documented categories of gladiators, their origins, social status, equipment, and training. Originally staged for the funeral rights of prominent Roman citizens,
gladiatorial games eventually became a tool for career politicians to both gain popularity and appease the often turbulent masses. While most gladiators were slaves or prisoners of war forced into a career of battle, others were criminals or free men from prominent families who aspired to fame and
fortune. Surprisingly, there are even records of women gladiators.
Gladiators at Pompeii offers a riveting account of the lives and exploits of these Roman warriors, who continue to capture and enthrall the popular imagination today.

Genres: History

128 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2003

Reviews

[James Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book on the phenomenon of Roman gladiators. with special emphasis on the games and gladiatorial school of Pompeii which has provided a rich seam of artefacts when it was excavated. The author seeks to provide a detailed explanation of the gladiatorial games and the differing classes of gladiator.

[Elizabeth Judd Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at gladiators in Pompeii, and especially at the artwork depicting them left in the ruins of the city. Although much of that has faded since discovery in the 19th century, there are records of it, and much has been left as well. There is also a short work at the end about gladiators in art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.