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"Gladiator Fights"
THIS OR THAT: ROMAN SPORTS & GAMES · Spring 2026 · Torch: U.S.
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"Gladiator fights have such a rich and diverse history especially in regards to the Colosseum."
Ella Brinker
Trivium Preparatory Academy, Arizona
"Successful Roman gladiators
became Roman celebrities, with merchandise and popular fandoms, like how we treat actors and influencers today. The big fights in the Colosseum were like a World Cup final in the modern world, with merchandise and social fame as additional perks for gladiators. Imagine watching Danny DeVito and Will Ferrell as skilled gladiators with shields battle for ultimate actor glory in the Colosseum! However, without the animal abuse, good senior 'refs', and while Emperor Augustus had outlawed sine missione."
Alya Pellegrini
John Burroughs School, Missouri