Answer:
There is an assumption that the origins of gladiator games should be sought in Crete, where around 1500 BC games in the form of bullfights occurred. Other researchers believe that this custom is borrowed from the Etruscans, who performed human sacrifices during the funeral feast.
In gladiatorial schools, physically strong and hardy slaves with a violent and rebellious character, as well as strong war prisoners were selected. Among the gladiators, there were also free Roman citizens - hired people who voluntarily chose this way. Moreover, by 70 AD, about 80% of the gladiators were free civilian mercenaries (served under the contract). Often very noble and wealthy patricians, eager for fame and recognition, became gladiators.
Roman gladiators were true ‘idols,’ surrounded by crowds of fans; Hercules was considered their patron; they were invited to the villas of the noble patricians for the time of dinner parties. Moreover, they served as the reliable personal bodyguards of wealthy patricians.
However, the attitude towards them in society was ambiguous. On the one hand, a person who became a gladiator lost his civil dignity (no matter how rich he was), he was denied access to the senatorial estates, he could not act in court as a defender or witness, etc. On the other hand, the gladiators were admired; poets dedicated their works to them; their sculptures were placed in villas and palaces.
Explanation:
