As an undying fan of Ridley Scott's Gladiator, I've always wanted to learn the real history of these celebrated, yet mysterious figures - and now I finally have the chance...

Alexander Mariotti is a Roman historical consultant and a leading speaker on gladiatorial life, combat, and weaponry.

Following academic work, his main focus has been working as an advisor to the media, featuring in countless documentaries, TV shows, and movies, most recently for the Amazon Prime TV show, Those about to die.

We talk about gladiator origins, the Olympic games, ancient superstardom, as well as the UFC, modern gladiators, and the best films and TV shows depicting them.