Gladiator training in Rome

Learn what it took to do battle in the Colosseum with a half-day Roman gladiator school

Cheesy? Yes. Fun? Undoubtedly.

Besides, this is not just a chance to dress up in silly Imperial costumes and learn to wield a net and shield or spear and rudas (practice sword) or gladius (the short Roman sword from which gladiators got their name).

It's also a hands-on history lesson—how better to learn a bit about daily life (and grisly death) in ancient Rome than being trained in the gladiatorial arts?

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: from $63 per person
Book:

Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Master the basics of hand-to-hand combat at a genuine gladiator school on the ancient Appian Way.

During your two-hour lesson, your gladiator instructor will teach you how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome.

Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat. Don't miss this opportunity to re-create Roman history and life as a gladiator.

Dressed in a traditional gladiator tunic, belt, leather protective glove and rudis (training sword), you can let your imagination run wild as you play like Spartacus for a day, fighting off ferocious lions and sword-wielding warriors!

Next, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting and take part in an optional gladiatorial tournament, with the winner receiving a victory prize...

Tips & links

Gladiator lessons

Learn the ways of the warriors with a Gladiator lesson:

They will give you further instructions once you sign up, but just so you know: The facility is in Rome's western suburbs, at Via Morsasco 9, jut off Via Boccea.

If you take public trasnportation, it will take about an hour to get there from central Rome. Ride Metro A to Cornelia station, then walk a block or two north to catch bus 905 or 915, which follows Via Boccea to a stop at Via Moresasco a block from the gladiator arena. (Other buses: that service the stop: 025, 027, 028, C26),

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To help you get the most out of your limited time in the Eternal City, here are some perfect itineraries, whether you have one, two, three, or four days to spend in Rome.

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