The name Gladiator comes from the Latin word gladius meaning “sword”. They were armed combatants who faced off against exotic beasts, prisoners, or even themselves for the entertainment of the Roman Republic. Although there were many different types of battles and fighting styles, every performance was a violent and gory display of prowess won only by skill, smarts, and cunning. While most of the belligerent competitors were slaves, many of them displayed great honor during battles along with limitless loyalty to their masters.
Out of all the types of gladiators, there were the four most common that fought in the Coliseum: Thracians, Mirmillones, Retiarii, and Secutores. Even though these were the most common to fight, there were many other types that fought too. Each class generally fought with a different weapon and different armor that distinguished them from others. Some classes also fought different types of enemies such as beasts.
Out of all the types of gladiators, there were the four most common that fought in the Coliseum: Thracians, Mirmillones, Retiarii, and Secutores. Even though these were the most common to fight, there were many other types that fought too. Each class generally fought with a different weapon and different armor that distinguished them from others. Some classes also fought different types of enemies such as beasts.