49 gladiator tattoos: design and meaning

If you had to choose an image of strength and courage, you would most likely choose a gladiator. 

In ancient Rome, this professional warrior showed his fighting skills in a circus full of spectators. He faced other gladiators or big cats.

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For a gladiator to be considered noble, he must never shout or beg for mercy during combat. Weakness in case of defeat was considered unfit for a gladiator, so it was very important for him to show strength in the face of adversity or when he was on the verge of death.

In fact, for ordinary gladiators, death has always been inevitable and usually happened around the tenth battle or about 30 years ago.

This passage from the Gladiator's Oath may give you an idea of ​​what was expected of them: "He promises to survive being burned, bound, beaten and killed by the sword."

In Italian amphitheatres such as Elisha, in Rome or in the arenas of Nîmes, these fighters played a big role and were honored with admiration.

Indeed, gladiators have been a source of inspiration for sculptors and painters who have portrayed them in famous works of art and urban sculptures.

However, what may surprise you is that these gladiators fought not only wild animals or convicted criminals, some of their opponents were even volunteers!

Types and symbolic meaning

Gladiator tattoos are mostly inspired by historical films (especially "Gladiator"). Some include very precise details, such as different helmets for different types of wrestlers.

But sometimes ink enthusiasts and artists take liberties with history and use items worn by Roman, Greek and Spartan soldiers.

The Samnites had large oblong shields, visors, feathered helmets, and short swords. The Thracians had small round shields and daggers curved like scythes.

There were also andabate who are believed to have fought on horseback and used closed visors, that is, fought blindfolded.

Dimachaeri the later empire had a short sword in each hand. V Essedarrii ("Tankers") fought on tanks like the old Englishmen, Hoplomachi ("Armored fighters") wore full armor, and lacquer ("Lasso man") tried to capture his opponent with the lasso.

But the basic idea is the same: a symbol of courage, courage, or just a sign of love from history.