Brett McKay here and welcome to another edition of the Art of Manliness podcast.

When you think about ancient gladiators, you likely have a certain vision that comes to mind.

Slaves forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of bloodthirsty Romans.

But much of what we think we know about gladiators is actually wrong.

Today on the show, Alexander Marriotti will separate the just as fascinating fact

from popular culture-derived fiction when it comes to gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome.

Alexander is a historian and expert on gladiators who served as a consultant for shows

and films like Spartacus and Gladiator 2.

In her conversation, Alexander explains how gladiatorial games evolved from funeral rights

and professional sporting events featuring the greatest superstar athletes and sex symbols

of the day. We discussed the different types of gladiators, their rigorous training regimens,

why gladiators fought in their underwear, and whether they actually fought to the death.

Alexander describes what a day at the Coliseum was really like, complete with elaborate special effects,

halftime shows, souvenirs, and even concessions.

And we talk about the connection between the gladiatorial games and the sports and spectacle culture of today,

and why, despite the passage of two millennia, these ancient athletes continue to captivate our imagination.

After the shows over, check at our show notes at AWIM.js slash gladiators.

All right, Alexander Marriotti.

Welcome to the show.

Brett, thank you so much for having me.

What an immense pleasure.

So you are an expert on the history of gladiators, and you've taken that expertise.

...