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Over 30 types of gladiators fought in ancient Rome.
Fun facts
16 February 2026
Over 30 types of gladiators fought in ancient Rome.
One of the most popular entertainments in ancient Rome was watching trained fighters, called gladiators, attack each other - or wild animals - in spectacular contests. Many styles were invented with different weapons each with their own name, for example Essedarii fought with spears from chariots. Andabatae wore helmets without eye holes and charged blindly at each other, sometimes on horseback. Laquerii fought with just a rope. Gladiatrices were female gladiators who had a shield and sword, but no helmet. Bestiarii fought against wild animals.
Find out more in:
100 Things to Know About History
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