In the first century there was no job more dangerous than that of the gladiator. Covered in armour and wielding swords, shields and spears, gladiators would battle other gladiators, criminals and animals in a match to the death.

This was a common form of entertainment where the loser would be killed in front of thousands of cheering fans.

The rules stated that normal people couldn't be conscripted into battle but, if you were convicted of a crime between the 1st and fifth century, you might have found yourself thrown into combat.

Gladiators are most famous for their battles in the Roman coliseum. The movie "Gladiator" starring Russell Crowe told the story of Maximus the General of the Roman army who ended up fighting for his life and the people or Rome.

We would like to think that we are a little more humane these days and the last gladiator games were help in the 5th century.

Good news is that you can dress as a gladiator at your next costume party. We have both good and evil gladiators, are you ready for battle?