Italy Blog #89: Pompeii Part 10: Parade of Gladiators!

Gladiator

This is the final blog look at Pompeii, Italy (before we take you to Sorrento). This is something we read about, and sadly didn't see... because it only happened when Pompeii was thriving. It's the "Parade of Gladiators."

WHAT IS THE PARADE OF GLADIATORS? - According to the book "Pompeii Reconstructed" (that we bought when we visited), Gladiators would return to their barracks in a procession from the amphitheaters by walking down two of the long main roads.

Gladiators walked down main streets

THE BATTLES - In Pompeii, 20 pairs of gladiators battled during the events. Those battles can be seen represented in graffiti around the city of Pompeii.

Gladiator

FOUND IN POMPEII - Gladiator helmets and graves were found in Pompeii during the excavations.  


 GLADIATOR BARRACKS - According to http://www.pompeii.org.uk the four-sided colonnade rising up behind the Theatre was used as the barracks of the organization of gladiators who performed in the town. Along the wings of the colonnade and on the first floor were the rooms which provided accommodation for the gladiators from other towns. Paraments, helmets and arms belonging to the gladiators were found in many of the rooms.

Gladiator Barracks

Another gladiator

NEXT: The Lemon-Scented Town of Sorrento!