The Amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial combat and is the oldest one of its kind in existence. Built 150 years before the Colosseum in 70 BCE, it could hold up to 20,000 spectators, not only from Pompeii but also from neighbouring towns.

The Amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial combat and is the oldest one of its kind in existence. Built 150 years before the Colosseum in 70 BCE, it could hold up to 20,000 spectators, not only from Pompeii but also from neighbouring towns.

The Amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial combat and is the oldest one of its kind in existence. Built 150 years before the Colosseum in 70 BCE, it could hold up to 20,000 spectators, not only from Pompeii but also from neighbouring towns.

Greaves were an important component of gladiator gear that protected the competitor's legs. These bronze greaves are decorated with reliefs of Jupiter (left) and Neptune (right). Jupiter holds a lance and a bolt while standing under two trees.…

Greaves were an important component of gladiator gear that protected the competitor's legs. These bronze greaves are decorated with reliefs of Jupiter (left) and Neptune (right). Jupiter holds a lance and a bolt while standing under two trees.…

Greaves were an important component of gladiator gear that protected the competitor's legs. These bronze greaves are decorated with reliefs of Jupiter (left) and Neptune (right). Jupiter holds a lance and a bolt while standing under two trees.…

This helmet was found in the storage room at the gymnasium in Pompeii among other pieces of armor. This type of helmet would have been worn by a murmillo, or a type of gladiator identified by their distinctive helmets, a shield, and sword. The name…

This helmet was found in the storage room at the gymnasium in Pompeii among other pieces of armor. This type of helmet would have been worn by a murmillo, or a type of gladiator identified by their distinctive helmets, a shield, and sword. The name…

The barracks for the gladiators were quadrangular portico located behind the stage of the Large which was originally designed as a space for the audience to stroll in during the intervals of the theatre shows. After the earthquake of 62 CE, the…

Graffito was a common site in Pompeii. This particular example depicts a gladiator, likely a murmillo, with his distinctive helmet and oblong shield. The anonymous artist was careful to create the details on his loincloth and greaves.