The career of a gladiator resembled the path of a modern-day professional athlete. For the most part, they lived and trained in special schools — ludi gladiatorum. They were always under the watchful eye of their managers — lanistae. Those who chose to become gladiators voluntarily signed a contract. They were usually attracted to this role by the possibility of becoming famous and winning prize money. Slaves and other men who became fighters not by choice were picked by gladiator schools deliberately for that purpose.
Gladiators were taken care of very well. Despite the harsh discipline, the fighters were a valuable asset to the managers, so their health and nutrition were carefully monitored. The gladiators’ daily diet consisted of barley, boiled beans, meat-based soup, oatmeal, and dried fruit. This diet was believed to strengthen the body and increase endurance. Gladiators also received regular massages and medical examinations, which softened the rigors of their training regime.
Gladiators were so popular with women that their female fans had their own name. The Roman satirist, Juvenal, called them ludiae, which roughly translates as ’training-school girls’.

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