A gladiator was a fighter in ancient Rome who battled other gladiators, wild animals, or condemned criminals in large arenas for the entertainment of huge crowds. These contests took place in massive stone amphitheaters, the most famous being the Colosseum in Rome, which could hold 50,000 spectators.

Most gladiators were slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals forced into this brutal profession, though some free men volunteered, lured by the chance for fame and prize money. They trained at special schools, learning to fight with different weapons and armor. Some gladiators specialized with a trident and net, others with a sword and shield.

The fights were shockingly violent and often ended in death, though skilled gladiators could win their freedom after years of victories. Successful gladiators became celebrities, with fans cheering for their favorites the way people today follow athletes. One famous gladiator was Spartacus, a slave who led a massive rebellion against Rome around 70 BC.

These brutal spectacles lasted for centuries until they were finally banned in the AD 400s. Today we use gladiator to describe anyone who fights bravely in difficult circumstances, like calling a determined athlete a “gladiator on the field.”