Historical Non-Fiction discussion

This is a novella of information pertaining to the Age of the Gladiators. I was surprised to learn that there were so many different types of gladiators, each type signifying a Roman type of warrior as well as warriors of Roman Enemies. Also,only certain types of gladiators fought other types. Weapons and styles were also explored showing us that some of each had advantages over others. There were training schools and even promoters - a form of business entertainment I would say.

Gladiators were nor only captured enemies and the book details others who were took part in such a venture (adventure?). It also explains the social and entertainment aspects of this event and I was struck by the similarities between Gladiators of the past and fighters of today (especially the WWF of the 1990s). Granted the Romans were much more barbaric and real then our WWF ... but fans of both periods had their favorites

The extent of my knowledge on this is "Spartacus" the original novel, although I'm not sure of the author's name & The Eternal Mercenary by Barry Sadler. Probably not the best reference works.
;)