Why "Gladiate"?
Gladiators were usually forced into it as slaves. As mentioned earlier, being a gladiator pretty much meant death. Rarely did anyone want to be a gladiator. Once someone was a successful gladiator though, it led to a lot of fame. Gladiators who won a lot of battles recieved tons of money. A wooden sword was presented to a gladiator as a sign of freedom (like how house elves need an article of clothing to be free). Also, successful gladiators were often appealing to the ladies. One description of a gladiator read suspirium puellarum, or "the girls' heartthrob".
Gladiatorial games were popular and frequent as the main form of entertainment for citizens. As there were few theatre productions in those days, the citizens needed a way to enjoy themselves.
Gladiatorial games were popular and frequent as the main form of entertainment for citizens. As there were few theatre productions in those days, the citizens needed a way to enjoy themselves.