who was fighting in the colosseum?

In the Colosseum, the Roman amphitheatre located in Rome, gladiator fights took place. These were professional fighters trained to entertain the public. The gladiators came from different origins: many were slaves, prisoners of war or convicted criminals, but there were also free men who chose to fight for fame and rewards. These fighters were trained in specialised schools called 'ludi', where they learned different fighting techniques and the use of specific weapons.

Gladiators were divided into various types, each with their own equipment and fighting style. For instance, the 'murmillo' carried a large shield and a short sword, while the 'retiarius' fought with a net and a trident. The battles in the Colosseum were not only fights between gladiators, but also included fights against ferocious animals, such as lions and tigers, and hunting shows.

These events were very popular among the Roman public and also served as an instrument of political propaganda, displaying the power and greatness of the Roman Empire. The fights in the Colosseum were a form of entertainment that reflected the culture and values of Roman society of the time.