A day in the life of a gladiator

History Extra podcast

Immediate Media

History

4.3 • 4.5K Ratings

🗓️ 3 November 2025

⏱️ 33 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

If we were to step back in time on to the blood-soaked sand of the Roman gladiatorial arena, what would we uncover about society, power and entertainment in the ancient civilisation? Speaking to Rachel Dinning, historian Harry Sidebottom guides us through 24 hours in the arena, revealing what life was really like for the gladiators that fought there – and for the crowds who came to spectate. (Ad) Harry Sidebottom is the author of Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind (Cornerstone, 2025). Buy it from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthose-who-are-about-to-die%2Fharry-sidebottom%2F9781529154009. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:30.9	Are you stuck in traffic watching brake lights?
0:33.4	And you'd rather be watching the northern lights.
0:37.0	At HSBC, we know ambition looks different to everyone.
0:40.6	Whether it's retiring early or leaving more for your family,
0:43.4	we can help, because when it comes to unlocking your money's potential,
0:47.0	we know wealth.
0:48.5	Search HSBC Wealth today to get your financial future moving.
0:52.4	HSBC UK, opening up a world of opportunity.
0:55.6	HSBC UK current account holders only.
1:02.0	Welcome to the History Extra podcast, fascinating historical conversations from the makers of BBC History magazine.
1:13.5	What was the life of a gladiator really like?
1:17.5	Well, in this episode, we're stepping into the blood-soaked sand of the Roman arena
1:22.1	to uncover the truth behind one of history's most iconic spectacles.
	...

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