Sometimes a special to-the-death gladiator battle would be planned, which ticket holders would be informed of in advance. Across the Roman Empire around 8000 people died in the arena every year.

who has been venerated thousands of times — through art, historical text, and pop culture. Close your eyes. You’ll see what I mean. It’s not hard to conjure the image of the Roman gladiator.

is part of Airbnb's "Icons" series and allows guests to "suit up in historically accurate armor and put their skills to the test to determine their fate in battle." "Train in the art of gladiator ...