Gladiatores are one of the most characteristic and well-known expressions of ancient

Roman culture. They are a testament to violence, but to courage and honour too, typical

of military traditions and of the pagan times. This ideal was unique; it represented an organized society which , with its practical culture and efficiency, influenced the course

of history. The Roman people did not have to fear violence, rather they had to "love" blood

in order to be prepared to war. Munera (gladiator fights) gave prestige to the organiser;

the munera organised by the emperor were extraordinary. The gladiators were very professionals, as famous as today's athletes eve if they were social outcasts.

The MATTESINI collection, a unique group of 350 works, reconstructed here to show

the world of the gladiator at its best, is displayed in the Stadio di Domiziano.

Gladiatores are one of the most characteristic and well-known expressions of ancient

Roman culture. They are a testament to violence, but to courage and honour too, typical

of military traditions and of the pagan times. This ideal was unique; it represented an organized society which , with its practical culture and efficiency, influenced the course

of history. The Roman people did not have to fear violence, rather they had to "love" blood

in order to be prepared to war. Munera (gladiator fights) gave prestige to the organiser;

the munera organised by the emperor were extraordinary. The gladiators were very professionals, as famous as today's athletes eve if they were social outcasts.

The MATTESINI collection, a unique group of 350 works, reconstructed here to show

the world of the gladiator at its best, is displayed in the Stadio di Domiziano.