Comprised of former slaves, prisoners of war, and convicted felons, gladiators were damned before they entered the Colosseum. Though they attracted thousands of viewers and were the principal sports figures of the day, they often met with a gruesome end. There were no endorsement deals or movie cameos for these sports superstars. The best most could hope for would be to escape alive. Discover the stories of some of the legendary fighters that entertained the Roman Empire. These select few, possessing incredible survival skills, not only escaped a grizzly death, but were able to garner wealth and fame. Experts and historians re-enact some of the battles they would have encountered and discuss what they did to stay alive. Learn about their weapons and fighting styles. See what brought the public and public officials alike out in droves and who went from damned to athletic icon.

(45 minutes)

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