# Story

Like their predecessors, the Greeks, the ancient Romans were as deeply involved in science and philosophy as they sought to find new ways to add fun to their mundane lives. Contrary to popular belief, gladiator fights were not usually to the death. If one of the parties is seriously injured, the referees stop the fight. No gladiators were allowed to die needlessly because their food, shelter, and training were expensive. Yet their lives would be short and brutal, with most gladiators only living in their mid-twenties.

Short life spans aside, gladiatorship was in many ways one of the most attractive professions in Ancient Rome. They were often bought as slaves; those who were successful could gain thousands of followers, enjoy generous gifts, and even qualify for freedom if they had enough victories. Gladiators are among the Roman elite of the age who can write their names in history with capital letters. They were "superstars of the ancient world" and even "sex symbols". For over 650 years, the cold-blooded slaughter of these well-armed and well-trained warriors brought together thousands of adherents from across the empire, including the most important man of the age.

**1.Spiculus:**

Also known for his closeness to the Emperor Nero, who was considered particularly demonic, Spiculus was rewarded with wealth, palaces and slaves beyond imagination by Emperor Nero after his numerous victories. When Nero lost his throne in 68, he was so fond of him that he wanted to die at the hands of the famous gladiator as soon as possible and ordered his squire to find Spiculus. However, Spiculus was not found and Nero was forced to take his own life. Spiculus' fame is not just based on his relationship with Nero. Its depictions in many works of art testify to its popularity in ancient Rome.

**2. Flamma:**

One of the most important figures in the history of ancient Roman gladiators, Flamma lived relatively long among the gladiators and died at the age of 30. Flamma, a Syrian soldier who fought with Roman soldiers before starting her career as a gladiator, faced countless enemies in the Colosseum rather than die in battle. Armor covering half his body, a small sword and shield, he managed to intimidate his opponents for 13 years and drew a large audience to the arena. Won 21 of 34 matches. 9 matches ended in a draw and only lost 4 times. Most importantly, he won the "rudis", the symbol of a gladiator's freedom, 4 times in total. However, Flamma refused all the "rudis" he had won on different occasions and continued to fight as a gladiator.

**3. Attilius:**

Despite being a free Roman citizen by birth, Attilius was sold to the gladiator school as an "auctorati" in exchange for the large debts he had incurred during his lifetime. While he was still a "Tiro" due to the title given to young recruits, who has not yet started his gladiator career, he managed to defeat the imperial gladiator Hilarius, who won 13 of 14 matches and became the champion of Nero, in his very first fight. He then defeated other gladiators one by one, including Raecius Felix, who had 12 victories in a row. Their achievements are described in mosaics and graffiti in a bathhouse discovered in 2007 at Villa dei Quintili.

**4. Hermes:**

Hermes was well-trained to master different weapons. Most gladiators would choose a particular fighting style and work hard to masterfully develop their associated skills. Hermes was not only skilled at these fighting styles, but was pro at using at least three different gladiator techniques. Such knowledge provided a great advantage over its rivals. Known primarily as a chariot driver and whose real name was Hierocles, this blond Carian slave was also married to the Emperor Elagabalus and was referred to as his husband.

**5. Tetraites**

Famous for his Murmillo-style fighting, Tetraites entered the arena with his sword, rectangular shield, helmet, armbands and knee pads bare-chested… He is one of the most famous gladiators, whose victories are widely known because of his experience and how deadly he was documented. Discovered in a graffiti in Pompeii in 1817, Tetraites became famous only in the 20th century. Two of the most important of his victories are depicted on glass vessels found in England, France and Hungary.

**6. Carpophorus**

Normally gladiators' opponents were still other humans, but Carpophores became a famous "bestiarii"; which is a name given to gladiators whose specialty is fighting wild animals. The careers of gladiators who fight in this style are even shorter than other gladiators. More than fighting other gladiators, Carpophorus had an instinctive ability to fight animals. At the opening of the Flavian Amphitheater, Carpophores killed a bear, lion, and leopard at once. On the same day, he killed a rhino with a spear in another encounter. In his personal best performance, where he killed twenty wild animals in a single encounter, his supporters and other gladiators compared Carpophorus to Hercules.

**7. Oenomaus**

Another legendary gladiator who earned the "rudis" for his Oenomaus abilities. His gladiator career ended in a contest in which the gladiator named Theokoles nearly killed him by cutting off his chest and face. By the decision of his master Titus, he accepted the duty of teaching at the school of gladiators and became a "doctore". Among his students are gladiators such as Gannicus, Crixus, Gaul, and Spartacus. He later joined Spartacus' rebellion and was one of his commanders in the war, but died early in the rebellion.

**8. Crixus**

Crixus is a Gallic gladiator, Spartacus' right-hand man. He is a gladiator despised by his "Lanista" (the name given to gladiator owners who are gladiator school leaders) despite having achieved notable successes in the arena, such as the Capua championship. Crixus, one of the actors of the revolt that started with 70 gladiators at the school, fought in the ranks of the 3rd Slave Revolt against the large army sent by the Roman Senate. A difference in purpose began to emerge among the fleeing gladiators. While Crixus and his supporters wanted to take revenge on Rome, Spartacus supporters were only after their freedom. After this disagreement with the leader of the rebellion, Crixus and his supporters left the main group to plunder Southern Italy. This maneuver distracted the Roman army, giving the main group time to escape. Before Crixus could avenge those who had suppressed him all this time, he was captured by the Roman legions. Desperately but with all his might, he fought until the last moment and died at the hands of his enemy.

In Epic Battle Arena, you can manage, train and fight these 8 gladiators, who are very famous in history. You should determine various strategies in order not to overshadow their glory.
