WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Many gladiators managed to win freedom by winning many fights, then the gladiators could receive rudis (received after at least three years of combat), a wooden sword that symbolized the end of life as a gladiator and starting a new one as a free man.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most Roman gladiators were de-facto slaves, and as such had no rights in Roman society and were scarcely considered people. For every epic story of a gladiator becoming a legend of the arena and winning fame and freedom, thousands of others died anonymously on the sand.

Detailed explanation-3: -They liked board games. We know this because archaeologists have found counters and dice in the ground. The Romans enjoyed watching fights between gladiators, and fights between people and animals.

Detailed explanation-4: -A gladiator who won several fights, or served an indefinate period of time was allowed to retire, in many cases to continue as a gladiator trainer. Those who did win or buy their freedom, or at times at the request of the crowd or Emperor, were given a wooden sword (rudis) as a memento.

Detailed explanation-5: -They were bound to their trainer/manager the lanista for a minimum of five years during which they trained like our modern sportsmen. After that, if they were still alive, they were granted their freedom. As slaves they could also buy their freedom earlier if they had earnt enough money.