Gladiators could have been either prisoners of war, slaves or criminals condemned to gladiator schools (ad ludum gladiatorium). There were also a number of volunteer gladiators (auctoratus). By the end of the republic as many as half of the gladiators were auctoratii. These were either sons of prominent men perhaps looking for a radical change, poor men attracted by the potential for fame or relinquishing themselves from poverty.

All gladiators kept the monetary prizes that they won in the arena.

 

One of the benefits of becoming a gladiator for slaves and criminals is that they were then allowed to have relationships with women and although they themselves could never become Roman citizens - marriages and children become recognised under Roman law.

This helmet was was most likely worn during a victory parade.

The brass face plates on this helmet lock together using a hinged pin.

 

Adult size