Back in ancient Rome, there were many exciting forms of entertainment. The most loved of all was the Gladiatorial Games. Gladiators were well-known, and the Games were a highly-watched spectacle. Gladiators were some of the most looked up to characters of Rome. One can learn many interesting facts about gladiators, such as the weapons and armor they used, who became gladiators, and the different types of gladiators and combat.
             In Ancient Rome, Gladiators were provided with an assortment of deadly weapons and protective armor. Gladiatorial combat nearly always featured individuals with different weapons and armor (Forman, Joan, pg. 31). The Samnites (named for the Roman legions' oldest enemies) were very heavily armed with a sword or lance, metal helmet, a large rectangular shield, and metal armor on the right side of the body. Thracians were lightly dressed, carrying a small wooden shield and sharp curved dagger. These two types were often pitted against each other in an attempt to recreate a past battle. The Sapmnites were one of Rome oldest enemies and were expected to lose against the even more poplar Thracians. The Retiair appeared with a long trident and fishnet to trap his opponent. They often had and advantage over there opponent being able to ensnare or trip them and ultimately killing them. Mirmillone, who often fought Retiair, had a helmet shaped like fish, metal leg and arm shields, an oblong shield, and a thick short sword. Equites and Essedarii were the cavalrymen of the gladiators. The Equites fought on horseback with lances, swords, and lassoes. This had its advantages and disadvantages, if there horse was brought down then they would be forced to fight in hand to hand combat which they were probably not trained for. Essedarii rode war chariots, typically caring another person with them to shoot or fight attacking opponents. The Andabatae, who were typically a comic spectacle, wore massive helmets with no...