Gladiatorial bouts were originally part of funeral ceremonies. Many ancient chroniclers described the Roman games as an import from the Etruscans, but most historians now argue that gladiator fights got their start as a blood rite staged at the funerals of wealthy nobles.

How did gladiators actually fight?

As the two gladiators circle each other, each knows that his objective is to maim or trap his opponent rather than to kill him quickly. What's more, the fight must last long enough to please the crowd. The gladiators jab swords and swing maces. They sweat in the hot sun.

Did people bet on gladiator fights?

Gladiator battles were the crème de la crème of Roman entertainment and only challenged in popularity by chariot racing. It involved two or more men battling it out to the death, only to be spared under the emperor's decision. Like most Roman sports this, of course, allowed for betting.