Who were the gladiators and what was their role in Ancient Rome?

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Who were the gladiators and what was their role in Ancient Rome?

Gladiators were professional fighters who entertained audiences by engaging in combat in Ancient Rome. They were typically slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals who were trained in specialized schools called ludi. Gladiators fought in arenas, such as the Colosseum, and their role was to provide entertainment for the Roman citizens. They would engage in various forms of combat, including armed combat with weapons, and their fights often ended in death or severe injury. The gladiatorial games were seen as a way to showcase Roman power, discipline, and bravery, and they were a significant part of Roman culture and society.