Gladiators were skilled fighters in ancient Rome who participated in public spectacles, often battling each other or wild animals in arenas like the Colosseum. These contests were a form of entertainment for the Roman populace and were sometimes held to commemorate significant events. Most gladiators were slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals, but some volunteered for fame and fortune. They trained in special schools called ludi and fought with various weapons and armor. While many gladiators faced brutal deaths, some earned their freedom through exceptional performance in the arena.