We’re traveling back to Ancient Rome this episode to learn all about the brutal life of Roman Gladiators, and wow was it rough. The very funny Erick Hellwig joins us on this one as we find out just what it took to become a Gladiator, and the many roles they played in Ancient Roman society. Turns out Gladiators were used for a lot more than just fighting big spectacle bouts in the colosseum. They were often hired as personal bodyguards and escorts to ‘service’ the Roman elite. Fun! Also, we dive into some wild stories about the deranged Emperor Commodus (famously portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the film ‘Gladiator’). Turns out the ol’ Commy fancied himself a gladiator, fighting in nearly 700 rigged matches. And, he oddly had an affinity for putting on bizarre spectacle fights…like the time he rounded up one hundred Roman dwarves and had them all fight to the death with meat cleavers. Seriously. Buckle up because this one's doozy!

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Created and hosted by Alex Gettlin.

A Skewed Orbit original podcast.

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