Different types of gladiators and events
The roman government used many different types of gladiators and events to increases the popularity and strength and control in Rome. Many new stadiums were being built and the biggest and most famous was the collusium. It contained many different trap doors, could hold thousands of people and had easily enough space to hold animals. we know that there were different types of gladiators from stories and letters to people. A man explained that 'i was thrilled to see the bears jumping at the andabata, and then the emperor introduced us the the champion Thracian'. These are some of the gladiator. a ANDABATA was a blind fighter because he wore a big helmet over his head. A BESTAIRUS was a best fighter so fought animals. An EQUITES was a horse back rider who was quite unpopular with all his armour. A LANISTA was a man who owned many gladiators. A GLADITIX was a female gladiator but they were very rare. A MURMILLO was a stylish warrior who had a fish on his helmet. A RETAIRIUS carried a trident and a net. Very rarely a gladiator would get his freedom and would receive a wooden sword called a rudarius. A SAMNITE was a heavily armed fighter but was quite UN popular and disappeared from events. A THRAX was had a big helmet which covered his whole face. The VENATOR was known as the 'hunter'. when the government captured beast they usually killed them. There was a referee, archers for misbehaving a people who whipped the animals to make them fight.
Different events included chariot racing, gladiator vs gladiator tournaments, the emperors choice and other things. see picture below. the events would have attracted different people. killing animals and fighting them was different to two people fighting each other. there needs to be a bit of variation or the games would be boring and gain no profit.
an event of two gladiators. one with a net and a spear and the other with a shrot sword and a shield. see how the two have been balenced in power.
a Retairus. can you see his trident and very small but sharp and deadly shield for more gore