The life of a gladiator could be a grueling life unless you are the best and never lose. Gladiators fought in events known as gladiator games. The first gladiator games were recorded in 310 BCE. The first gladiator games were not held in the huge coliseums we see today. Instead, they were most likely intended to entertain a powerful person or ruler. Gladiator combat originated as a religious event to honor the dead, the victory of an important battle, a sacrifice to the gods, or to honor the death of a person in a high position. The first Roman gladiator games were held in 246 BCE to honor Marcus and Decimus Brutus. ("Life of a Gladiator") These games marked the beginning of an era of gladiator events that would last almost a century. Much like athletes today, gladiators competed against each other to decide the winner and provided a form of entertainment for spectators. But gladiators competed very differently than today's professional athletes. Gladiators were forced to fight for the entertainment of others and were considered slaves (“The Roman Gladiator”). Gladiators not only fought for friendly sport, they also had to fight to the death. This made the gladiator games so exciting for spectators. People loved watching others fight and the blood they would see as the gladiators fought. This may seem horrible in today's society, but back then it was the most common form of entertainment. Unlike athletes and artists today, gladiators were slaves and told what to do against their will. Most gladiators were slaves, criminals and prisoners of war. Gladiator games were mainly organized by the Roman Republic and forced enemies to fight for their lives middle of paper ......re. Tourism is the most profitable industry in Europe and gladiators attract the attention of tourists and bring them to Europe ("The Roman Gladiator"). Some companies hold re-enactments to give tourists a taste of what it was like to see gladiators face off. There are several museums dedicated to the history of gladiators and their impact on today's modern world. Gladiators led grueling lives and were known for their ability to fight. Gladiators were the ancient idolized popstars we see today. The life of a gladiator was difficult, but if a gladiator was successful in the arena, he could live a peaceful life as a free man. Works Cited “Gladiators”. Educational Technology Clearinghouse. Np, and Web. April 25, 2014. “The Life of a Gladiator.” The life of a gladiator. Np, and Web. March 6, 2014. “The Roman gladiator. » The Roman gladiator. Np, and Web. March 13. 2014.