History : Each 'lesson' begins with an introduction to the role of the gladiator in ancient Rome, using the exhibits at the group's small museum to demonstrate both the day to day life of a gladiator and the different types of gladiator fights. Each 'student' is given an ancient name by which they'll be known for the remainder of the course. Culture : With the history lesson out of the way the real training begins and you learn by actively taking part in the kind of training ancient Roman gladiators would have undertaken - though nothing like as physical or stressful. Students are equipped with a form of toga (don't worry, it's worn over your everyday clothes!) complete with belt, sandals and a wooden training sword called a 'rudis'. Sport : The remainder of the time at gladiator school is spent learning basic techniques of attack and defence before - if you're good enough - moving on to using the 'gladius', the heavier sword which gave gladiators their name. If you're really lucky, you'll also get to practice the art of the 'Retiarius', who famously fought with net and trident. For those who really want to enter into the spirit of the occasion there's then an optional tournament to show off the skills you've learned during the session; everyone gets a certificate of accomplishment. For those who aren't inclined to take part in gladiator fights on a hot Rome day, it's a great spectator sport with the bonus that it's free to watch and you're welcome to take unlimited photos of the gladiators in action. Is it safe? The gladiator school is run by 'Nerone' - a Banca d'Italia employee who is exceptionally knowledgeable about Italy's history and heritage, and takes his responsibilities as leader very seriously. Rules are strictly adhered to and all staff make sure that there is no possibility of anyone being hurt. Who will enjoy it? Originally, we thought this would appeal mainly to children looking for things to do in Rome when they'd had enough of sightseeing - but actually adults love it just as much (and sometimes more!).
And when they've finished, get them to send a free interactive e-card to their friends and teachers, describing what they've learned and what fun they've had! For adults, it's a great workout - expect to be aching by the end of the session. An important part of the training is learning exactly what amazing and disciplined athletes ancient Roman gladiators were. You'll be glad it's only two hours! Of course, there's the fun side for adults too. As one man said : "I get the opportunity to chop at my friends with swords - it's a dream come true!" - And it's not just men who love it. It's a little known fact that there were also female gladiators, and women are encouraged to take an active part in gladiator school. Our experience is that women tend to take it less seriously than men but love it just as much. As one American lady of a certain age said : "who'd have thought that two middle-aged American broads like us would enjoy it so much - we've had an absolute hoot!".
If you're thinking of having your stag or hen (bachelor or bachelorette) party in Rome but aren't sure what to do, the gladiator school could be the perfect solution for you. What not to expect. Remember that the gladiator school is run by enthusiastic volunteers. They're very friendly and very knowledgeable, but it's not a polished Hollywood production. Nor does it take place in the ancient Roman Colosseum - the gladiator fights themselves are held in an 'arena' about eight metres square which is more like a back yard. But will you have fun? Will you come away feeling that this was one of the highlights of your trip to Rome? Will your kids think it was one of the best ever things to do in Rome and want to go back for more? Absolutely guaranteed! Where to find Rome's gladiator school. It's situated on the Appian Way or 'Via Appia Antica' which is very apt, as it was not only one of the most important roads of the Roman Empire but the road along which followers of one of the most famous of ancient Roman gladiators - Spartacus - were crucified. One of the main complaints from visitors is that it's hard to find. The Via Appia Antica is outside the city; the best way of getting there is by taxi. Ask the driver to drop you at number 18. You'll find yourself having to walk down a dirt track; opposite a bus stop is the school. Look out for a home-made sign saying 'Scuola di Gladiatora' and a paddock with a full sized catapult - you can't miss it! This area may not be on the usual tourist trail but it's perfectly safe and actually only about one and a half miles away from the Roman Colosseum. Allow some extra time to arrive - most people do get a bit lost on the way, but it's worth persevering. When it's open. Rome's gladiator school is open all year. Lessons begin at 9 a.m. and last for two hours. They take place right through the day, the last starting at 7 p.m. Be aware when booking that Rome's climate in summer can be incredibly hot. Refreshments are provided but our advice would be, particularly if your kids want to take part, to book for one of the earlier or later lessons when it's cooler. The school also runs much longer courses for people wanting to become part of the 'Gruppo' and take part in battle re-enactments. Those courses take place twice weekly for two months and are strictly for 'professionals'. How much it costs. Prices vary depending on the size of the group and whether you want a 'private' session (i.e. only your group, no outsiders) but in 2009 started at about €50 per person for the two hour lesson - at the current rates of exchange that would be roughly £46 or $74. How to book.
Click on this picture to go to the Gladiator School booking page. A package deal. If you happen to be staying at Rome's Cavalieri hotel, the concierge service can arrange for you to have private gladiator tuition from the Gruppo Storico in the grounds of the hotel. The price is roughly the same, but there needs to be a group of about eight people before it's possible. Ask at the hotel's reception for details.
The Gruppo Storico Romano website will open in Italian, but some pages are accessible in English. It's a fun, informative site and includes contact details.
Avoid the 'gladiators' outside the Colosseum who will ask often outrageous prices for you to have a photograph taken with them. Much better to pay for a lesson at the gladiator school, where you are welcome to take as many photos as you like - all of them far more authentic.
Before you travel, tell kids some strange facts about the ancient Roman Colosseum and take them to visit the Colosseum in Rome after your gladiator lesson. Their interest will be sparked and they'll retain information long after you leave Italy.
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