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Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Rome, Italy
  • 2 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Find out what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator at the Gladiator School of Rome. During a hands-on lesson with instructors from the Historic Group of Rome, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt. Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history, sports, and culture. Select a lesson time when booking.
  • 2-hour Roman gladiator training
  • Learn gladiator fighting techniques from members of the Historic Group of Rome
  • Wear and use traditional clothing and weapons
  • Includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum
  • Choice of lesson times throughout the day

What's Included

  • 2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day
  • Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome
  • Drink
  • Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and beverages, unless specified

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy

    Departure Point: Lessons commence at the Gladiator School of Rome, located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from The Colosseum Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179, Rome, Italy Directions: Either take Metro (line B) and get off at OSTIENSE and take the bus number 118 OR take Metro (line A), get off at stop SAN GIOVANNI and then take bus number 218. However in the spirit of easy access - we suggest taking a taxi (approx. 10-15 euros) to access the school Dates: Daily Opening hours 9:30am - 1:30pm 2:00pm - 6:00pm Return point: Concludes at the Gladiator School of Rome

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your gladiator lesson takes place at the Gladiator School of Rome, located near the Colosseum on the historic Appian Way. Specializing in the reenactment of ancient Roman life and gladiator fighting, your instructors are members of the Historic Group of Rome and will begin your class by providing you with your costume — a traditional belt, tunic, leather gloves, and a training sword known as a rudis.

Learn the basic skills of gladiator sword fighting before summoning your imagination and channeling your inner ancient Roman as you fight off ferocious lions and battle other sword-wielding gladiators. If you wish, you can participate in an optional gladiator tournament, complete with a prize for the victor. Either way, all participants receive a certificate of accomplishment at the end of your lesson.

Friends and family are allowed to watch your class from the viewing platform. Admission to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum is also included so you can check out gladiator weapons and other artifacts.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.5
1,257 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,257 reviews
Fantastic and intense gladiator training for adults who want to spar
Neeraj_P, Apr 2024
This was a fun and different experience to other tours available in Rome. It starts with a talk on legionnaires (weapons, armour etc.) and gladiatorial games for 30min with an opportunity to hold different equipment and take some photos. The next 1.5hrs are the gladiator training. This is a very family friendly event and mostly filled with kids age 8-15. For those who are older (20+ year olds) if you come with a friend this is perfect as they are your training and sparring partner. They teach a variety of attacks and how to block as well as different combinations. It’s run at your pace so it can be quite intense and fast within your pair if you want it to be. The sparring at the end is also fun where everyone in the sessions watches the pairs fight in turns. Instructor is active and guide you well through training. Highly recommended this activity.
Gladiator school is amazing
Carolina_C, Apr 2024
We loved gladiator school! It was fun trying on the helmets and learning the proper history. The kids loved dressing up and fighting. Us grown ups had a blast watching and joining in. I laughed so much I cried!
An absolute must for families visiting Rome. Fantastic experience for 7, 12 and 14 year olds
Maria_F, Apr 2024
The instructor was just fantastic. He was informative and entertaining. The museum was great with lots of interesting facts, even the grown ups learnt a thing or two. The gladiator training was brilliant. The instructor connected with every child, from the younger ones to the teens. They had a blast. We had planned to walk there but decided to get a taxi from the hotel, it was very reasonable. At the end of the session the instructor was very helpful and ordered us a taxi to the centre. It's a lovely location. Two of our party were spectators but still really enjoyed the experience. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone travelling to Rome with young children. It was great for them to burn off some energy but still have the feel of Rome. 5 stars.
Fantastic time with Maximo!
Courtney_H, Apr 2024
This was an excellent family activity (teens - 13 and 15) that we all enjoyed. The school is in a lovely setting, it was well paced, interesting, engaging, and informative. We learned more about both soldiers and gladiators, but most of the time was spent actively. Highly recommend for anyone really, not just families! Our group today had parties of just adults, families with younger kids, and families with teenagers, and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.
The guide excited the...
pecht_E, Apr 2024
The guide excited the children with the stories about the warriors and the history. His approach was wonderful, the precautions were good and the kids really enjoyed themselves and the adults too, thank you
Training as a Gladiator can be Fun and Educational
Rebecca_R, Mar 2024
The session started with a tour of a small collection of legionnaire and gladiator artifacts. The instructor was very informative and engaging and we learned a lot. Then it was time for Gladiator School. My 11 year old son and husband learned a variety of attack and defense moves before they headed out to the make-shift amphitheater for real combat. It was super entertaining, cheering on all the other gladiators. The instructor did a great job of keeping everyone safe and while having a lot of fun. Despite the heavy rains that day, we still had a great time.
Amazing!!!
Sharita_W, Mar 2024
We thought it was just for kids but they encouraged parent/guardian participation as well, and it was a lot of fun! My kids loved the workout, training, and then arena time. The instructor was motivating and committed to giving us education on the history of gladiators and soldiers. Definitely worth it!!!
Fun gladiator experience
Sampath_M, Mar 2024
Terrific experience for kids learning how gladiators used to fight. The kids had fun! They wore very authentic outfits
The group fight in the...
Randal_K, Mar 2024
The group fight in the amphitheater was a blast. Trying out helmets and equipment and learning their names was fun.
Vatican
Leslee_D, Mar 2024
Maria was a great tour guide . Very personable and informative. She related to our grandchild and made it a memorable experience
Highlight of our trip!
Yev_K, Mar 2024
My 11 year old son and I had an absolute blast in this amazing experience. This was the highlight of both of our trips and the Historic Society of Rome educates the youth with this engaging and hands on opportunity.
Enjoyable experience with my kiddo
Timothy_R, Mar 2024
Enjoyed this class with my son (11). I would think most kids 15 and under would like doing it. The class lasted 2 hours and included some history and trying on some Gladiator helmets which were apparently modeled after actual helmets that have been discovered. Originally was just planning on letting my son do it by himself, but glad I joined and made some memories. The first participant was expensive but each additional is only a small charge.
Amazing! Funny! Educational in kid-friendly way!
Julie_W, Mar 2024
Everything you want this to be- interactively informative to start with passionate host and show & tell with actual gladiator weaponry, then participants are taught outdoors during the lesson/training, ending with a few rounds of challenges in the amphitheater. My kids (8, 10, 12yrs) loved it, and so did I! Great reward-activity after a morning of touring historical sights! Uber works well to get there/back.
10/10!
Ashley_P, Mar 2024
This was my son’s favorite part of our entire trip! The instructor was fantastic & made the entire class so much fun! My son is already asking if he can do it again. The property was a little off the beaten path, so I would recommend taking a taxi. It’s a unique & fun experience for everyone :)
Amazing gladiator experience
Emily_J, Mar 2024
This experience was amazing from beginning to end! Our gladiator host really enjoys what he does and spreads that to his guests. My husband and 7 year old son participated and it was perfection for them. We also brought our 15 month old daughter, so I couldn't really participate, but our host got both of us involved as well. This experience was the highlight of Rome for us!!!!
Unique, active, and fun
Mike_B, Feb 2024
Mirko was a great teacher: engaged, fun, patient, and knowledgable. All of us including our 2 teens had a great time. This was a really unique travel experience and a nice active addition to the usual sightseeing.
Such fun
Tiara_J, Feb 2024
Such a fun experience! Would do it again. Our instructor really went above and beyond. Went with my husband but it will be a great experience with friends too.
Great Experience
KayLin_R, Feb 2024
Such a great experience! Our 11 year old loved it and the adults loved it too! Amazing and knowledgeable trainer who made the history of the gladiators come alive. Highly recommend!
Great fun
Stephen_F, Feb 2024
Great fun and a nice break from the city sight seeing. Very insightful as to the different equipment used by the gladiators and the tactics used. Our 9 year old absolutely loved this and was his highlight of our visit to Rome.
Great experience!
Nichole_C, Feb 2024
The kids had a blast! Loved the museum and learned a lot about the gladiators. As an adult I could have listened even longer to more information on the history/gladiators but it was perfect amount to keep kids involved and interested! My husband and I partakes in the event too! Well worth it and then going to see the colosseum after! Highly recommend
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From $97.67

Price varies by group size

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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