The Gladiatorial games of the Ancient Roman world used prisoners of war, conquered slaves or condemned criminals as dispensable "extras". Some, however, volunteered for the profession and their fame spread throughout the Empire, from tavern to Imperial Palace. This title relates how these combatants were encouraged to draw their opponents' blood and prolong his death, thus giving the public what they wanted to see. It relates how they were recruited and trained, and many types of gladiator are covered, from the net-wielding Retiarius to the fish-helmeted Myrmilo.

Illustrated by: Angus McBride