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264 BCE
The first recorded gladiator bout
The first recorded gladiator bout occurred in Rome. True to the origins of the gladiator battles this bout was in honour of the deceased. In this case, the bout was in honour of Decimus Junius Brutus Scavea, and was considered to be a private rather than public affair. -
218 BCE
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was a stage made for the gladiators to fight on, with wooden seats for the audience to watch. -
174 BCE
The death of general Titus Quinctius Flaminius
The death of the general Titus Quinctius Flaminius led to the munera (the provision of public works and entertainments provided for the benefit of the Roman people by individuals of high status and wealth.) for him and it is reported that 74 gladiators fought in his honour. Flaminus was very popular and it’s though that this event lasted for 3 days, quite the spectacle where the gladiators were essentially the main attraction. -
150 BCE
Gladiator fight grow in popularity
The attendance also increased tremendously. Pop-up amphitheatres (a circular arena made to watch sporting events) also grew in popularity, so the gladiators fought in there. -
105 BCE
The first official gladiator fight
It happens where the consuls (The consuls were the chairmen of the Senate, which served as a board of advisers. They also commanded the Roman army) of Rome, offer the gladiators from Capua in what was partially seen as a training exercise for the Roman military. -
Period: 73 BCE to 71 BCE
Spartacus leads a slave revolt
Gladiator fighter, Spartacus lead a slave revolt into southern Italy and won several victories against the roman army. -
71 BCE
Spartacus Death
Marcus Licinius Crassus kills Spartacus during the slave revolt in southern Italy -
65 BCE
Gladiator fights held in honour of Julius Ceaser father
A bunch of Gladiator battles are held in honour Julius Ceaser father who died 20 years previous. These fights were thought to total 320 gladiator battles. -
Period: 81 to 96
Colosseum Opens
The Colosseum in officially opened after 15 years of work. It was opened by Titus. -
404
End of Gladiator fights
Roman Emperor Honorius makes gladiator fights against the law