Life of a Roman Gladiator

Children's Literature

This fascinating book delves into the daily life of the Roman gladiator while exploring the larger societal and ethical issues of blood sports in Roman society. The clear and gripping writing lures the reader into a complex world of slavery, honor, money, power, and heroism, all illuminated by the well-translated writings of contemporary Romans. Clear expositions of the pagan and Christian viewpoints, considerations of the value of life and the Roman perspective on death as a duty, and a fascinating chapter on the gladiator/slave rebellion led by Spartacus give the reader a better understanding of the role of the gladiator in the Roman world and the complex forces to which gladiators were subject. The author wonderfully recreates the attitude of the best historians, taking facts, examining them, and suggesting various points of view and theories. The exposition on the origins of the gladiator and the various types of gladiators and combats are particularly interesting. An excellent addition to the middle school/junior high library. Comparisons to certain movies may even tempt some non-readers. 2003, Lucent Books/Thomson Gale, Ages 12 up.
—Elisabeth Greenberg