For approximately 390 years, Romans used the Colosseum as an amphitheatre for the re-enactments of famous battles or executions. It is estimated that around 400,000 people died in the Colosseum, and 1,000,000 animals died. These people were called gladiators. They were armed combatants that entertained viewers in the Roman Empire in violent fights with other gladiators and animals (“The Roman Gladiator”). However, fighting against animals was rare. Usually, squaring off against animals were uncommon for gladiators. These animals were reserved for “venatores” and “bestiarii.” These people were special warriors. The animals used in the arena ranged from deer to elephants (“10 Things”). Most gladiators were prisoners or war, slaves, or criminals. …show more content…
Criminals that were already supposed to die usually exclaimed, “Ave, imperator, morituri te salutant!” The professional gladiators didn’t say this, however. The phrase meant “Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you!” When a gladiator dropped, you could hear cries of “Habet, Hoc habet,” or, “Mitte,” and, “Iugala!” Usually the wounded gladiator would sit down his shield and raise his left index finger, this meant he was pleading for mercy. The audience would then tilt their thumbs, telling the people whether they wanted the gladiator to die. The emperor himself made the final decision. Sometimes, the audience would even hope that the lives of both gladiators were saved, if they thought both of them were good fighters. When the emperor was not there, the producer of the games would decide the fate of the gladiator. Winners were awarded with a crown and/or a palm branch, and the prize money as well as the money awarded by the audience. If the gladiator lived long enough to retire, they were awarded with a symbolic wooden sword as well. Losers were taken out through Porta Libitnesis to the spoliarium, where their armor and weapons were taken away and returned to the