Gladiatorial: meaning, definitions and examples
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gladiatorial
[ ɡlædɪˈætɔːriəl ]
historical context
The term 'gladiatorial' relates to the ancient practice of gladiatorial combat, where fighters, known as gladiators, engaged in battles for public entertainment in arenas such as the Colosseum in Rome. These events were often brutal and could lead to death, reflecting the violent culture of the time. Gladiatorial games were a form of spectacle that showcased martial skills and served as a demonstration of power, both for the emperor and the society. The concept has influenced modern interpretations of combat sports and entertainment.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The gladiatorial games fascinated the Roman audience.
- He studied gladiatorial tactics for his historical novel.
- They organized a gladiatorial reenactment at the festival.
Translations
Translations of the word "gladiatorial" in other languages:
🇵🇹 gladiatorial
🇮🇳 ग्लैडियेटोरियल
🇩🇪 gladiatorisch
🇮🇩 gladiatorial
🇺🇦 гладіаторський
🇵🇱 gladiatorski
🇯🇵 剣闘士の (けんとうしの)
🇫🇷 gladiatorial
🇪🇸 gladiatorial
🇹🇷 gladyatör
🇰🇷 검투사의 (geomtusa-ui)
🇸🇦 مصارعي (muṣārī)
🇨🇿 gladiátorský
🇸🇰 gladiátorský
🇨🇳 角斗士的 (jiǎodòushì de)
🇸🇮 gladiatorski
🇮🇸 gladiator
🇰🇿 гладиаторлық (gladiatorlyq)
🇬🇪 გლადიატორული (gladiatoruli)
🇦🇿 gladiatorial
🇲🇽 gladiatorial
Etymology
The word 'gladiatorial' originates from the Latin word 'gladiator,' which means 'swordsman' or 'sword holder.' In ancient Rome, gladiators were often slaves, prisoners of war, or condemned criminals, who were trained to fight in arenas for the entertainment of the public. The first recorded gladiatorial games were held in 264 BC, and these events became increasingly popular throughout the Roman Empire. The term evolved over centuries to encompass not only the literal combat of gladiators but also metaphorically represent any struggle or competition involving a public spectacle. Today, 'gladiatorial' is commonly used in literature and film to evoke themes of struggle, heroism, and the fight for survival in various contexts.