5: The Ludus Magnus

The Ludus Magnus is located immediately east of the Colosseum. Translated as the ‘big training ground’ this was the largest and most prestigious gladiatorial school and barracks in ancient Rome.  It is one of four centers where gladiators from across the Roman Empire would live, eat, and practice while preparing for their participation in fights.  This tour explains the layout of the site and an explanation of the life and death of a gladiator. Photo by Tyler Bell, Flickr, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)