Gladiators
Sports and
Entertainment in the Roman World
video lecture by
Prof. David Potter, University of Michigan
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"Interesting and fast-paced…highly recommended"
-Video Librarian
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Deadly hand to hand combat, staged mass battles and helpless men thrown to wild beasts are familiar images when we think
of events in the Roman amphitheater. But are these images historically accurate? Were gladiators really forced to fight to
the death? David Potter, a professor of Classical Studies with a keen interest in sports, both ancient and modern, re examines
the facts about these popular athletes. To learn the truth about this sport, Dr. Potter takes the viewer on an historical
tour.
With archaeological discoveries and ancient art to guide us, we visit the barracks where gladiators trained and the arena
where they fought. We find them dining at banquets and parading through the streets. We learn that their unique styles of
armor and distinctive methods of fighting could inspire admiration or amusement in their fans. With a fresh look at a well
known subject, combat in the amphitheater appears in a new light.
Gladiators will be of great value to all persons interested in Roman history and civilization as well as ancient athletics
and entertainment.
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