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Blood and Fame: Shocking Moments in Ancient Gladiator History

By: Guy de la Bédoyère
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

Ancient Roman gladiator battles were more than sport — they were political weapons, public entertainment, and deadly spectacles.

The article "Blood and Fame: Shocking Moments in Ancient Gladiator History" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the history of gladiator combat in ancient Rome. It traces its origins to Etruscan funeral rituals and details how Julius Caesar, the emperors, and other political figures used these deadly games to gain power and favor.

Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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A painting showing gladiators in the fighting arena with the crowd cheering
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800-1000L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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