What was it really like being a gladiator?
Russell Crowe aside, professional gladiators were young men (sometimes women) who, either poor or ruined, slaves or criminals, were lured by the promise of prize riches to sell themselves into a kind of slavery to the trainers and lead brutish, dangerous lives.
If a gladiator was seriously wounded but not mortally, he stretched out on the ground and raised his left arm for mercy.
The victor then usually decided his opponent's fate. However, when the emperor was around, he got to make the call, giving us a gesture we still use today.
Gauging the crowd's reaction, he judged whether to spare the loser by flashing the thumbs-up signal, or give the order to finish him off by gesturing thumbs down.
(Some spoilsports would have us believe the two gestures in ancient times were actually thumbs-down for death and thumbs-sideways for life; I try to ignore these people.)
The only release from gladiatorial life was death in the ring or the granting by the emperor of the rudis,a wooden sword that signaled a dignified, well-earned retirement from the games.
Incidentally, Christians were not thrown to the lions—or at least an event was probably never billed as such.
It was true that oftentimes prisoners were tossed into the arena to fight to the death with wild animals, and since Christianity was outlawed at various times during the Empire, Christ worshippers were probably among those unfortunates on occasion. But it's unlikely many screamed for Christian blood by name.
One more possibly apochryphal tale: Only ancient history recorded any instance of the following practice.
According to Suetonius, on at least one occasion in AD 52 combatants did enter a place of battle, raise their arms to honor the emperor, and call out, "Ave Caesar! Morituri te salutant!"—famously translated as "Hail Caesar! We who are about to die salute you!"—to which Caeasr rather encouragingly replied "Aut non." ("Or not.")
However, this did not happen at the Colosseum but rather during a mock naval battle on Lake Fucinus, and the combatants were not professional gladiators but rather a motely crew of convicted criminals and captured soldiers. As such, it might have been a form of last-minute protest on the part of the condemned, mocking the entire proceedings and their ill-fated role in them with some good old 1st century sarcasm.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
Your tour will begin at the Colosseum, taking full advantage of the early morning shade provided by the Colosseum there wont be any later on in the day, so this is the best time to visit! A quick security check and youre into this iconic monument to Ancient Rome.
Once youre inside the Colosseum, your guide will take you to the very top tier. From here, you can look down at the arena where gladiators and animals fought to the death for the entertainment of bloodthirsty Romans citizens and their megalomaniac emperors! Your guide will tell you fascinating stories about these events, and dispel some popular mistruths along the way.
Being the first people into the Colosseum for the day gives you stunning views of the arena and an overview of Rome city just remember to bring your camera!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Roman Forum, Rome, Lazio
From there, youll head to the center of Roman life in ancient times the Roman Forum. Here politics, business, state funerals and military parades all took center stage. Today, you can still see the wall on which famous orators such as Cicero and Marc Antony made their greatest speeches to the Roman public. Friends, Romans, Countrymen lend me your ears!
Your guide will take you to the site of Caesars funeral, which is still honored every year on his anniversary (the Ides of March) by proud Romans, who leave flowers at the spot believed to be where his pyre was burned.
After explaining the ruins of the temples, triumphal arches and other monuments that are still visible today in the Roman Forum, you can exit with your guide or choose to remain to look around further by yourself in the forum and the nearby Palatine Hill.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
Walk under a great archway known as the Porta Libitina or the Gate of Death and out onto the reconstructed Arena Floor, where the savage games once took place.
The Gate of Death earned its name because only the dead passed through this exit after losing their lives in battle. Standing on the Arena Floor under the Roman Sky is an experience which nothing can beat even if you are a history buff or just a travel enthusiast, your guides stories will bring the roaring games back to life in the evocative setting. With no crowds to be seen on the floor, the Colosseum can never be so atmospheric.
Home to gladiatorial games, exotic staged hunts, theatrical executions and even mock sea-battles, this Colosseum tour explores the Arena Floor with its awe-inspiring panorama, up-close views of the underground backstage where the spectacles were brought to life, and a look at where the Emperors box once stood, all special access areas that standard ticket holders dont get to see.
Follow your guide up to the second level to see what the crowds saw, tracing the Colosseums circumference in an effort to understand what it must have been like when the stands were packed, the crowds were roaring and a gladiators destiny hung on their whims.
Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
Stop At: Roman Forum, Rome, Lazio
After spending a total of 1.5 hours inside of the Colosseum, you will have the option of following guide for Skip the Line Access to the Forum and access to the Palatine hill where you will be seeing arch of Titus and know the story of the she wolf LUPA.
Here you will be taken to the best vantage point for a short introduction to its history and most famous monuments before visiting them on your own. Once inside, you will also be able to hike to the top of the Palatine Hill for an exceptional birds-eye look over the Forum and Circus Maximus.
Duration: 50 minutes
- A private skip the line Colosseum Arena Floor tour
- A guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill
- A private and professional English-speaking guide
- A custom group size
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
Your entrance will be called the stern entrance, you will be walking under a great archway known as the "Porta Libitina" or "Gate of Death" and out onto the reconstructed Arena Floor, where the savage games once took place. The Gate of Death earned its name because only the dead passed through this exit after losing their lives in battle. Facing death at the hands of ferocious human or animal opponents, gladiators fought surrounded by 60,000 screaming spectators. Most Colosseum visitors arent allowed on the Arena Floor, but this private tour includes privileged access.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Palatine Hill, Rome, Lazio
Learn about the larger-than-life characters Mark Antony, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and more. And last but not least, sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, is the Palatine Hill. This awe-inspiring area of towering pine trees, majestic ruins and unparalleled views was where Romulus was said to have founded Rome in 753 B.C. This is also where Rome's emperors lived in opulent luxury. Once one of ancient Romes most exclusive neighborhoods, the Palatine Hill is still an awe-inspiring place. With views of Circus Maximus and the Forum, dont miss this incredible photo opportunity.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Roman Forum, Rome, Lazio
Your private guide will be taking you to the Roman Forum which is full of incredible ruins, the Roman Forum is the former site of downtown ancient Rome. Visit some of the most famous Roman Forum buildings, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta and the Roman Senate House. Relive ancient history as you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman Emperors and philosophers.
Duration: 45 minutes
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
You will have the special opportunity to enter from the Gladiator's Gate, step directly on Arena where gladiators used to fight. Here your guide will give you information thought history and anecdotes about the Colosseum and Emperors and Gladiators.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Rome Private Guides | Tours of Rome, Vatican and Florence
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Discovering the origins, myth and grandeur of ancient Rome. With this amazing tour of about 2.5 hour, our professional guide will take you back with a journey through the time.
Join us on the Skip the line Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour, stand in the sandals of Ancient Rome's greatest fighters and enjoy the Ancient city from the Emperiors view.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
This is a real exclusive guided tour. You will avoid lines and crowds, getting directly inside the Colosseum Arena. Walk in the footsteps of the Roman gladiators through the "Libitinaria" Gate of Death (A special entrance not open to the general public) and see through their eyes as they battle in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. You will enjoy a special perspective of the Colosseum, feeling like a real gladiator during the ludus gladiatorius.
Your guide will tell you all about gladiators fighting and will tell many stories about fool emperors who played in the arena as gladiators against wild beasts. From the arena floor, you will also have a view directly above of the undergrounds.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
Your exclusive guided tour will continue with the Colosseum first and second rings. Admire the incredible engineering genius of the Romans and hear about the incredible speed at which they were able to build.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Palatine Hill, Rome, Lazio
An expert English speaking guide will take you on a journey back in time, recreating the amazing history and mysteries of the center of ancient Rome. You will venture up to the Palatine Hill home to the most afluent of ancient Romans, hosting the best view over the centre of the city (A perfect place for pictures). On the Palatine Hill, we will tell you the legend of Romulus and Remus, the brothers abandoned as infants and raised by a she wolf. The legend says that the two brothers fought one against the other for power control, between the two, Romulus was the winner and then the founder of Rome.
And then moving down the hill to explore the famous Roman Forum, the centre of life in ancient Rome where many of the oldest and most important buildings were located and the venue for public speeches, elections, criminal trials, and single combat gladiatorial matches. The enchantment of the Roman Forum - where the main market took place - and the Sacred Way - the triumphal road where the Centurions of Caesar marched after their return from the countless battles and conquests.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Colosseum Arena Floor Tickets
Avoid the crowds as you walk out onto the coolest restricted area of the Colosseum the reconstructed Arena Floor. Travel back in time as you trace the footsteps of gladiators. Facing death at the hands of a human or animal opponents, gladiators fought surrounded by 60,000 screaming spectators. Visit the opening to the reconstructed trap door and let your imagination will go wild, as your guide describes the types of wild animals that also once contributed to the Colosseum's popularity and significance in ancient Roman society.
Roman Colosseum Pictures
Get your Cameras ready! The Arena Floor is the best place in the Colosseum for photo opportunities. Our guided tour includes plenty of time to take pictures of you acting like a victorious gladiator to show your family and friends back home. And while you pose, members of the general public will look down at your tour group and wonder How did they get there?. This is because the Arena Floor is not accessible to regular Colosseum ticket holders.
Roman Colosseum History
After the Arena Floor, go on a journey to the Colosseum's first and second levels. See where Emperors sat and learn the rules of the gladiatorial games for both competitors and spectators. Learn why the ancient amphitheater was named the Colosseum and more. After spending a total of 1.5 hours inside of the Colosseum, begin your guided Roman Forum tour.
Guided Roman Forum Tour
The Roman Guys Colosseum Arena Floor tour includes Roman Forum tickets and a guided tour of the ancient ruins inside. All our professional guides are trained as both Colosseum and Roman Forum tour guides. This area, also referred to as the "Ancient City", is a Roman archeological site that was once the location of downtown Ancient Rome. Visit some of the most famous Roman Forum buildings, including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, the Roman Senate House and more. Relive ancient history as you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman Emperors and philosophers.
Climb Palatine Hill
When your Colosseum Arena Floor with Roman Forum tour concludes, you have free reign to wander around on your own. Climb the Palatine Hill and take in the views over Circus Maximus, relax in the Farnese Gardens, or simply perch on an ancient piece of marble and take in the beautiful surroundings. By the end of the tour, leave the Colosseum and forum with a camera full of incredible pictures of the Colosseum and a mind full of knowledge about ancient Roman life.
All tours and activiates are carefully selected by us.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colosseum, Rome, Lazio
Walk under a great archway known as the "Porta Libitina" or the Gate of Death and out onto the reconstructed Arena Floor, where the savage games once took place.
The Gate of Death earned its name because only the dead passed through this exit after losing their lives in battle. Standing on the Arena Floor under the Roman sky is an experience which nothing can beat even if you are a history. buff or just a travel enthusiast, your guide's stories will bring the roaring games back to life in the evocative setting. With no crowds to be seen on the floor, the Colosseum can never be so atmosferic.
Home to gladiatorial games, exotic staged hunts, theatrical executions and even mock sea-battles, this Colosseum tour explores the Arena Floor with its awe-inspiring panorama, up-close views of the underground 'backstage' where the spectacles were brought life, and a look at where the Emperor's box once stood, all special access areas that standard ticket holders don't get to see.
Follow your guide up to the second level to see what the crowds saw, tracing the Colosseum circumference in an effort to understand what it must have been like when the stands were packed, the crowds were roaring and a gladiator's destiny hung on their whims.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Roman Forum, Rome, Lazio
After spending a total of 1.5 hours inside of the Colosseum, begin your guided Roman Forum and Palatine Hill where you will be seeing Arch of Titius and know the story of the she wolf LUPA.
This guided Roman Colosseum and Forum tour not only includes skip the line tickets, but you also use a different entrance. Go back in time on an authentic Gladiator experience as you enter the reconstructed Arena Floor.
Duration: 1 hour
There is only one way to keep the Colosseum alive: to relive its history going back in time almost 2000 years ago, transforming yourself into the various characters of ancient Rome and moving within the exclusive animated and interactive 3d reconstruction of the Colosseum, certified by famous Italian historians, references to the history of ancient Rome. Thanks to the Oculus VR technology, the history of the Colosseum resumes shape, Roman spectators return to life, gladiators prepare to fight and fierce beasts move impatiently in their cages.
Join the group that is about to start accompanied by an authorized guide and begin your journey into Ancient Rome to discover the Colosseum, the world's largest and most famous Roman amphitheater used for free public spectacles during the Roman era. You will journey through a moving and multisensory, informative, educational and entertaining and totally immersive experience, suitable for all ages. In this way you will give shape and color to your imagination and youll witness the history of the legendary amphitheater at the times of its greatest splendor.
Your experienced tour guide will welcome you with an introduction to the history of Ancient Rome and Colosseum meanwhile your Samsung Gear VR will be configured, enabling you to start the virtual travel to discover the three Colosseum areas, not before you'he received indications on its functioning.
Through the animated and interactive 3D Colosseum reconstruction, integrated with a multilingual narrative voice and epic musical backgrounds with content completely certified by well known historians, you can walk virtually in the square among the inhabitants of ancient Rome, admire the fountain of gladiators or the Meta Sudan, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the majestic Colossus of Nero from which it derives the name of the Colosseum; into the arena raise your head to the Velarium, its giant red curtain as it closes to give start the show, walk between the roar of fierce lions and attend gladiator fights and then rise to take the place of the emperor and decide the fate of the gladiator wounded with: "Death" or "Grace"! Finally, you will go down to the mysterious underground, to observe the slaves who move in silence between narrow and dark corridors to prepare and coordinate all the tools necessary to make the show a success; the gladiators who sharpen their weapons and the various cages in which the hungry beasts were locked ready to be raised by the hoists to the arena trapdoors, genial works of ancient Rome and faithfully reconstructed in 3D,
It's time to find out what's left of everything you've already lived virtually in person along with your tour guide that will accompany you inside the most famous monument in the world, where public shows were held, built to accommodate up to 75,000 spectators, the Flavian Amphitheater,
After you have assimilated all the information contained in the 3D reconstruction and you've got answers to all of your questions and curiosity from your guide, so with a full overview of ancient history, if you are still eager to dippen your journey the history of Rome, you will be given the indications to continue the cultural visit inside of a real outdoor museum: the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, using the same entry ticket that was previously delivered to you.
