10 most interesting facts about women gladiators

When it comes to the brutal and bloody world of gladiators, we think we know almost everything. The two men fight to the death with swords and minimal armor. Or a team of gladiators fighting wild animals. Whatever the script, the male gladiators were the stars of the show.

But did you know that there were female gladiators who also fought? Here are some fascinating facts about these brave female warriors.

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1. Battle topless.

In some cases, the battle of gladiators was similar to modern TV shows or movies. The organizers have always thought of new ways to provide the audience with something extra and stand out from the crowd. One of the results of this was the introduction of women. They were originally presented as an unusual approach to mainstream male action and to give impatient crowds a new thrill. Much of their original function was to defuse the atmosphere with comical combat before intense male battles. Many female fighters started fighting dwarfs to make the crowd laugh or small animals.

2. Additional entertainment.

In some cases, the battle of gladiators was similar to modern TV shows or movies. The organizers have always thought of new ways to provide the audience with something extra and stand out from the crowd. One of the results of this was the introduction of women. They were originally presented as an unusual approach to mainstream male action and to give impatient crowds a new thrill. Much of their original function was to defuse the atmosphere with comical combat before intense male battles. Many female fighters started fighting dwarfs to make the crowd laugh or small animals.

3. Private tuition.

In ancient times, women did not always have the same freedoms as men in some aspects of life. In Roman times, this boiled down to the fact that they were not allowed to visit official gladiator camps to learn how to fight. Instead, it is believed that many female gladiatresses have instead used their own money to hire personal teachers to prepare for their new careers.

4. They were classified as prostitutes.

One interesting note about female gladiators is how they were perceived by Roman society. Male gladiators were classified as heroes if they survived to gain their freedom. They not only received the status of citizens, but could then marry or return to their families. But not female fighters. Female gladiators were considered a disgrace to Roman society and were effectively classified in the same group as sex workers. It basically boiled down to the fact that they fought almost naked and sold their bodies for entertainment. When they finished fighting, they were social outcasts and were considered taboo for any Roman man as wives.

5. The original rebels.

As you can see from the above, becoming a woman gladiator was actually a very rebellious and daring endeavor. Women who chose to fight of their own free will did it for fame, fortune and celebrity.

6. Amazon and Achilles.

One of the most famous records of female gladiators was found in Turkey. It was a key part of the Roman Empire, and there were amphitheaters for fighting. A plaque found in one of them showed two female fighters named Amazon and Achilles. It was erected in honor of a fierce fight that they ended in a draw, and both won prize money. Many believe that the tie was actually staged to strike an alternative, a happier demise to the historical story of Achilles killing the warrior queen Amazon he loved.

7. Dolls as souvenirs.

Ancient gladiator competitions were wildly popular throughout the Roman Empire and were like attending a modern soccer game (but with a lot of kills). Many ordinary citizens loved to go to the Colosseum or their local amphitheater to see their favorite fighters in action. Not missing out on the benefits, crowd gift shops were soon set up to buy merchandise with the gladiators they liked the most. This also included female fighters, who also had doll toys and statues honoring them in these gift shops.

8. Tomb of Roman Gladiation.

In 2000, archaeologists discovered the grave of a young woman near the site of the old amphitheater in London. When they looked into the grave, they found that it was filled with valuable trinkets and gladiatorial items. They also found leftovers from expensive food that they believed was eaten at a funeral in her honor. Putting it all together, they are confident that the tomb was one of the famous female gladiators who must have been well known and loved.

9. Woman gladiators are prohibited.

As soon as women were given permission to compete, it was immediately taken away. In 200 A.D. Emperor Septimius Severus attended the Olympic Games in Greece, and after that he forbade all women to fight as gladiators. But what happened in Greece that made him do it? Many believe that he was influenced by the decision of the Greeks to ban women from entering the Olympics. It is also believed that they were concerned about the influence of women who chose to pursue careers, and how this influenced the views of marriage in Roman society.

10. Women slaves.

Many of the women we talked about above were free citizens who chose to fight of their own free will. However, like the men, there were also slaves captured by the Roman troops and they were forced to fight. Emperor Nero loved to make them hunt wild animals in the arena, having only a small pocket knife to protect themselves.