Bestiarii (Beast Men)

A great modern misconception is that Roman gladiators fought against wild beasts in the arena. But gladiators only fought against other men. Warriors who faced off against lions and bears were a whole other classification entirely. They were known as the bestiarii, the ‘Beast Men.’

To the ancient Romans, no spectacle brought about the same feverish excitement as fights to the death in a packed arena. Thousands flocked to coliseums, placing bets, watching on violently animated, while the most prominent dignitaries from the highest echelons of Roman society acted out their limitless thirst for vile blood-spill - from the safety of the Senator’s seating section… Visit link for details