The brutal, thrilling world of gladiators was a popular motif in the art of Pompeii, as this informative book demonstrates. Gladiators at Pompeii, illustrated with striking Pompeiian depictions of these ancient combatants, presents a complete picture of the gladiators of the Roman Empire and the highly organized and regulated tournaments in which they competed. Luciana Jacobelli reveals the latest evidence on the best-documented categories of gladiators, their origins, social status, equipment, and training. Originally staged for the funeral rights of prominent Roman citizens, gladiatorial games eventually became a tool for career politicians to both gain popularity and appease the often turbulent masses. While most gladiators were slaves or prisoners of war forced into a career of battle, others were criminals or free men from prominent families who aspired to fame and fortune. Surprisingly, there are even records of women gladiators.

Gladiators at Pompeii offers a riveting account of the lives and exploits of these Roman warriors, who continue to capture and enthrall the popular imagination today.

Luciana Jacobelli specializes in archaeology at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and works at the Superintendency of Pompeii. She is the author of The Erotic Paintings of the Suburban Baths of Pompeii and co-author of A Day in Pompeii: Daily Life, Culture, Society.

Available worldwide except Italy.

Price: $35.00