Gladiator: The Roman Fighter's [Unofficial] Manual

Ancient Warrior Guide

by Philip Matyszak

So you think you’d like to be a gladiator? Find out how to get thousands to idolize you as the strongest, meanest fighter in the Roman empire. Win fame and fortune in one of Rome’s most glamorous locations, in the presence of the emperor himself. Who wouldn’t kill for a job like that?


This handy guide tells you everything you need to know before you step out to fight for your life in front of a roaring crowd:

Why you should become a gladiator
How to join the most glamorous—yet lethal—profession on earth
Who will try to kill you, and with what
Which arena of the empire is the right one for you
When and how often you will fight
What happens before, during, and after a duel

Combining the latest research with modern reconstructions, Gladiator helps you experience firsthand the spectacular yet brutal life and death of the most iconic figure of ancient Rome.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Roman, Military History, Ancient, World History

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2011

About the author

Philip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.

Reviews

[Assaph Mehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Matyszak's 24 Hours in Ancient Rome (because, y'know, he has a great style balancing  information and readability), I sought out his other books. Gladiator touches on a subject core to the third Felix Novel - In Victrix - so I started with it.

What to Expect

A witty, lighthearted non-fiction description of the lives of gladiators in the height of the Roman empire, around the time of Commodus. Matyszak explores various aspects of Gladiatorial life, from history, through training and daily life, through fighting in the arenas, up to retirement (or, more often, funeral arrangements).

What I liked

I loved the tone and style of Matyszak's writing. Using tongue-in-cheek humour to paint the harsh life of gladiators into vivid detail in the readers' minds, but with academic depth nonetheless. As with his other books, Matyszak quotes many sources, from Cicero and Juvenal to graffiti and burial inscriptions.

What to be aware of

This is neither a history of grand events, nor an academic discourse or comprehensive review of evidence. If you've learned all you know about gladiatorial life from movies such as Gladiator - be prepared to be challenged with actual historical details.

Summary

I absolutely love how Matyszak brings ancient Rome to life. Reading his books, one walks, sees, smells, and is totally immersed in the great city. This is an excellent novel for anyone wishing to learn more about the subject, without getting into dryer-but-comprehensive academic treatises. This books does a tremendous job in educating the reader in a way that sticks.

Get your copy and start reading today, and be entertained while you learn.

(A small note to fans of Felix: this book focuses on an era three hundred years after the period I generally based Egretia on. However, anyone who read the gladiatorial games scene in Murder In Absentia knows I have modeled the games on a later period, about half-way in between).

--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.

[Olethros · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Otra forma de contar detalles de la Historia.-

Género. Ensayo.

Lo que nos cuenta. Manual (no oficial) del gladiador romano, según el subtítulo, pero en realidad una guía para que todos aquellos que lean este libro en tiempos de Marco Aurelio conozcan más lo que implica terminar siendo gladiador y anticipen todas las ventajas y maravillas que podrán disfrutar cuando lo sean. O si va usted a ser convertido en gladiador por la fuerza, que sepa lo que le espera. Y si alguien lo llegase a leer en el siglo XXI, una breve y a ratos humorística aproximación al gladiador romano, sus clases, equipamiento, organización, entrenamiento y formas de lucha.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

[Петър Стойков · Rating 4 out of 5]

Интересувам се от история отдавна, особено от римска история, но суховатата информация в повечето книги доста трудно може да ви накара да си представите какво наистина е било да живееш в някой отминал период.

Точно поради тази причина, специално за Рим, една от най-добрите книги, които съм чел е Един ден в Древен Рим, а настоящата също се причислява със замах към книгите, които наистина те потапят в атмосферата на времето и поясняват неща, за които няма да се сетиш, ако четеш само за императорите и войните.

Аз лично научих много от това хумористично и популярно написано "ръководство" което обяснява как да станеш гладиатор. Това, което най-много ме впечатли като информация е колко много всъщност са били гладиаторите. Да, всички знаем за тях, всички знаем за Колизеума и т.н., но осъзнаването, че във всяко от многото училища из империята е имало по няколкостотин човека, трениращи за арените, че гладиаторите не са живели като в затвор, ами са се разхождали сред населението, работели са като бодигардове и треньори, а много даже са живели с жените и децата си... това е нещо което трябва да се прочете.

Мащабът и размахът на гладиаторските игри ме шокира и поради друга причина - до сега смятах, че гладиаторските срещи са били нещо като кеча от WWF в момента - кичозно шоу, нещо средно между истински двубой и театър, в което се пролива главно фалшива кръв, защото гладиаторите са много скъпи за произволно убийство на арената. И театърът и шоуто със сигурност ги е имало наистина, но и смъртта си е била доста чест гост, особено сред "евтините" гладиатори, но и сред шампионите.

[Manolo González · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (manual) is defenitely really fun to read, a lot of irony and sarcasm that make you enjoy every single page, I even sent a mail to the author, Dr. Matyszak (and he answered back, YES!) thanking him for this masterpiece. This is how much I enjoyed it.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the others in the series (Knight and Legionary, this is both top-notch history and very amusing, often laugh-out-loud funny. I learned a lot: for instance, I thought all gladiators were criminals or prisoners of war who were not there voluntarily, but it turns out some were free men -- though often desperate ones with little to lose. The author consulted some gladiator re-enactors and has pictures of them fighting in their combat gear. He also has, in addition to plenty of quotes from ancient writers, a fictional first-person account of what it would be like to actually be fighting in the ring.

WIN again, Dr. Matyszak.

[Orlaith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Gladiator: The Roman Fighter's [Unofficial] Manual" is a highly enjoyable and thorough account of life in the Roman gladiatorial system. Philip Matyszak does a good job of placing the gladiator firmly within the social, economic, and political context of AD 180 Rome, under the rule of the emperor Commodus. He traces the history of gladiator combat, takes us on a tour of arenas within and outside Rome, discusses the diet and lifestyle of the gladiator, and examines the roles of gladiators outside of the arena. There is even a small section on women gladiators.

For me, the most interesting sections were on the different gladiator specialties and the step by step walk through of a gladiatorial bout. This is where Matyszak really shines, not only in the amount of detail he includes, but also in his tone which is simultaneously humorous and cognizant of the severity of the gladiator's life (and death). Understanding the different types of fighters, their weapons, and their strategies has altered my view of gladiatorial combat. This book allows the reader to see the complexity involved in every aspect of the gladiator's life. It is refreshing to read a history book that is written in a conversational tone but is not a simplified version of events.

"Gladiator" brings a specific piece of ancient history to life, making it accessible and enjoyable.

[Jan Peter van Kempen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een teleurstellend boek… Eerst maar positief: leuke afbeeldingen en de keuze van de 85 personen is gevarieerd genoeg. Helaas echter nogal wat storende fouten, vergissingen en onvolledigheden. Daarbij lijkt de vertaler ook niet veel kennis van zaken te hebben. Sommige namen zijn regelrecht uit het Engels overgenomen: Tarquin in plaats van Tarquinius, Galen in plaats van Galenus, een torsie in plaats van een torc (of torque). De plaats Aquelia ken ik niet, wel Aquileia. Nou ja, etc, etc.
De schrijvers zelf slaan de plank hier en daar ook mis. Newcastle ligt echt niet in Schotland en Vindolanda ligt hier echt niet een paar km vandaan (50 km om precies te zijn).
Arruns was niet een zoon van Tarquin (sic); hier wordt (waarschijnlijk) Egerius bedoeld, maar de tekst is zo vaag dat er nog iemand anders bedoeld wordt.
Elders wordt gesproken van de Macedonische generaal Pyrrhus die oorlog voerde tegen de Romeinen. Bedoeld wordt Pyrrhus, de koning van Epirus, tijdens de slag bij Asculum in 279 BC.
Bij het verhaal over Decius Mus staat een fraaie afbeelding met bijbehorend bijschrift van iemand anders, namelijk de vader van Decius Mus.
Drie sterren is misschien nog te mild geoordeeld…

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is either the funniest scholarly book or the most scholarly funny book I've read in a long time. I spend most of the at-sea days reading it and most of my time in Rome talking about it. I've been kind of a little obsessed. It's such a weird idea to let people kill each other for your entertainment. So many people died. And paradoxically, you were both honored and infamata--like a racehorse. With pithy comments on ancient frescoes, and a whole chapter in which Matyszak delves into the best way to kill your enemy (he thanks an anonymous doctor in the acknowledgements), this is an extremely informative good time. Totally prepped me for gladiator school in Rome. (XI legion 4ever!)


mlh

[Krisley Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Com um texto leve e irreverente o autor transmite um vasto conteúdo sobre os gladiadores e tudo que envolvia suas vidas.

Alguns dos tópicos abordados são: tipos de gladiadores; alimentação; lugares do império e arenas onde haviam combates; detalhamento do Coliseu; modos de se tornar um gladiador; reputação e anonimato; treinamento; equipamentos (inclusive falando das limitações de locomoção, respiração e visão); conhecimento da anatomia para atingir o adversário; técnicas de luta; comparação entre soldados e gladiadores; várias formas em que os animais apareciam nos eventos; morte; aposentadoria e possíveis carreiras para os ex-gladiadores.

Além de diversas curiosidades como o funcionamento das jaulas móveis no Coliseu e os velejadores responsáveis pelo toldo que cobria o anfiteatro para proteger os espectadores do sol, a tabela dos preços pagos pelas mortes dos gladiadores de acordo com o classe do lutador e o tamanho do evento, os métodos de verificar se os gladiadores estavam mortos após os combates (e de executá-los caso não estivessem), o que era feito com animais após suas mortes, prêmios distribuídos aos espectadores e as “gorjetas” coletadas para os lutadores após suas apresentações.

Destaque para a modalidade de lutas em que alguns homens condenados à morte pela espada às vezes eram vendados sob o capacete ou usavam capacetes fechados de forma a duelarem às cegas.

O livro é recheado de citações de escritores da época e conta com diversas imagens ilustrativas do texto.

Leitura bem abrangente, detalhada e superinteressante. Recomendadíssimo!

[Chris Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gladiator, The Roman Fighter's Unofficial Manual, is an extremely well-written, tongue-firmly-in-cheek guide to becoming and surviving as a gladiator in ancient Rome. Being a gladiator, pronounces witty author Philip Matyszak, is "a job like no other" in that you are "no longer alone in a harsh, uncaring world" because there are people willing to invest large sums of money betting on your fate. How does one become a gladiator? There are several tried and true methods. You can be handed the position having tried unsuccessfully to be a violent criminal, lose a war against Rome, acted as a recalcitrant slave, or by owing more than you can repay. You can also rise up from lower social standing by volunteering or by being a woman or a dwarf with fighting skills. There are several types of schools in which to get training, and all have their respective positives and negatives. You also don't have to be thrust into the Rome Colosseum immediately - you can instead try your luck in Ephesus, in western Anatolia (modern Turkey), Carthage, in northern Africa, or Londinium, modern day London. Like modern actors, gladiators choose screen names as well - a mundane Cletus can be transformed into a fighting Cygnus or Vercingetorix.

Are you getting the picture? Rather than merely presenting history, Mr. Matyszak has injected gallows wit and humor; it's a terrific book.

[Alicja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was the second of the type that I have read which could have been the reason why I disliked it more then the first book. It does show the history and stories of various gladiators (who were essentially like any football player is today) and shows how their lives were different to the ones that are usually listed in movies and TV shows.

However, I do feel like I should point out that this book has many various sources were as usually books of this kind follow one or two sources rather than multiple various ones. It is definitely a book that I would recommend to someone who doesn't mind their reading being broken up by quotes or pictures. But I should warn that this book may not be for younger readers as it does have some graphic descriptions of sex, drugs, murder etc.

"Even urban Romans see hunting as a way of gathering food,m as the hares which appear int eh weekly markets testify. Do if there is such a thing as a typical arena beast-hunt, it is of exotic and savage creatures contending against humans - often volunteers armed and trained for the occasion - but it is a hunt nevertheless. And as with any hunt, the animals killed are promptly recycled into meat."

[O. E. Laguna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provides both an insightful and entertaining narrative on the lives of Roman gladiators. While a lot of history books can be rather dry, this one was filled with wit and humor which made it easier to digest the morbid affair that is gladiatorial combat.

[Luvs2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and well researched presented in a highly readable format.

[Frank Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The silly cover and title had me a little concerned, but this is an extremely and informative little book!

[J Supason · Rating 4 out of 5]

ศัพท์เฉพาะเยอะมาก จำไม่หมดแต่อินจริง เหมือนอ่านจบแล้วไปเปิดโคลอสเซียมได้

[Wilmington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Philip Matyszak's wit and humorous prose makes reading about gladiators a gripping experience. You won't be able to put the book down. Highly recommended!

[Dimitrios Mistriotis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matyszak rocks. He puts you in the time and place so well you do not want to get out.

[Dagne567 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oli tore. L-i jaoks veel mõni aasta liiga vara lugeda.

[George Foord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating throughout and with great information. Couldn't put it down.

[Can Özer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Legionary, mostly because there is only so much interesting things you can say about gladiators, unlike the legions.

[Sweemeng Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining but very educational. Highly recommended

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best gladiator book I've read

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun collection of factoids about Roman gladiators.

[Mark Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I’m an author I do a lot of research. Sometimes doing research is enjoyable, other times boring, but at all times, it’s painstaking. What’s the point of doing something unless it’s done right? The last thing I want is a reader grimacing and closing my book in disgust because I didn’t take the time and effort to learn what I should have before I wrote about the subject. As a reader, I can’t say how often I’ve done the same, especially when reading books by indie authors. But I digress; I’m getting off-course. Back onto the proper path…

One of my most enjoyable areas of research includes the Roman Empire, gladiators specifically (those of you who know what books of mine are forthcoming will understand why). “Gladiator: The Roman Fighters (Unofficial) Manual” is surprisingly good. No, scratch that. The information it gives goes beyond good and that information is related in a wholly entertaining fashion. There were times reading this when I could literally see myself on the sand because the book puts the reader in the point-of-view, taking the reader from induction into a ludus right on through to the games.

REALLY well done this book.

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed Matuszak’s faux travel books on ancient Athens and Rome, and his “handbook” on the Roman legionary, to which this is meant to be a companion, is also quite good. I also learned new things from each of them. He attempts to follow the same model here, but it just doesn’t work as well. He discusses how one became a gladiator -- for most, it wasn’t a matter of choice but a gradual death sentence by the courts -- what a few of the arenas were like, from the Colosseum to Londinium, training and general life in the gladiatorial school, what a successful gladiator could look forward to, both in and outside the arena, and the odds of reaching retirement age. The problem is that, no matter how the masses swarmed to the games, the gladiator was at the very bottom of society. The lanista, who ran the school, was barely half a step above that. The activities of gladiators were therefore extremely circumscribed, which means that, after the first chapter or two, there really isn’t a lot you can say about them without constantly repeating yourself -- which is what Matsyzak unfortunately does.

[Yune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah, there's a whole series of these? (Heads off to hunt them down.)

I pulled this off the bookstore shelf and just couldn't resist bringing it home with me. The first chapter, "Becoming a Gladiator," includes ways such as "Lose a war against Rome" and "Be a surly and recalcitrant slave." And there's a picture of a mosaic with the caption, "Having a leopard eat your face is one of the alternatives that makes being a gladiator seem an attractive prospect."

Amusing and seemingly breezy in tone, but surprisingly educational. While I learned about the pros and cons of fighting in various amphitheatres, I also picked up various facts about Roman history, from social strata to political upheavals.

Definitely pick this one up if you have any interest in the subject matter and a sense of humor.

[Roberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very interesting study about gladiators. In fact, people today are getting less and less interested in ancient history, so this is just the kind of books that is needed in order to make people know at least a little about this topic.
As good as this one may be, I have to say that I prefer "Legionary". Anyway, I like Maty's books so much that I am writing my postgraduate dissertation about his books! He is a great author! I have also tried to contact him, but the link on his page does not work, for some reason.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic, even if they have read other books about it.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking on information on how to be a gladiator (in 180 CE), the training,what you'll face and how to (possibly) survive and deal with your opponents, this book is a good way to find out. Written in a lively, humorous but very informative style, this book presents the training and life of a gladiator without taking away from the brutality and pain and often shame that a gladiator faced fighting in the various arenas of the Roman Empire.

[Nathan Balyeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and funny look at life as a gladiator in ancient Rome in the late second century. It's apparently superficial, but there's some real nuggets of real history in the book and a serviceable "for further reading".

Don't use this for a term paper, but pop history doesn't get a lot more fun than this.