GladiatorsRome had many great things, especially in its love of brutality. Many Romans liked to take a break from their harsh, ancient lives and watch some grown men fight people, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) to the death. Gladiators were a huge part of Roman society and a large part of Roman culture. The people of Rome loved gladiatorial battles. The Roman Colosseum was built to fit the standards of a bloody and brutal battle and at the same time be able to ensure the comfort and entertainment of thousands of Roman citizens. Gladiators were usually prisoners of war brought from conquered regions, as well as Christians and criminals accused of exploiting crimes including: theft, rape, and murder. Gladiators were sent to a gladiatorial ludus to be trained where abuse was common. One day consisted of lifting weights and learning the art of dying. They were trained based on physical attributes or skills. For example, if one was to be a large, massive man, he was trained as a brute. The smaller and more agile ones were trained in the skills of cunning. There were also many other types of gladiators. The most common types of gladiators were trained in 3 main categories. Sannitie, Retario and Mirmillo. A Samnite carried a sword and a long shield, a Rhetarius carried a trident and used a lariat, and finally a Myrmil carried a dagger and a shield and was protected by leg bands and a leather belt. During the events at the Roman Colosseum, the gladiators fought their first battle. Then came the hunting of animals and the death of the condemned. There were chariot races and boat battles with crocodiles. At the end of the day all the undefeated gladiators fought again, in which the victorious competitor was...... middle of paper ......only took advantage of the resulting devastation of the city, building a sumptuous private palace on a part of the fire site. To divert attention from the rumors, Nero ordered the Christians to be rounded up and killed. Some were torn to pieces by dogs, others burned alive like human torches. When the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great ruled Rome, Christianity became the main religion of the Roman Empire. Many people remain uncertain about Constantine's reasons for converting Rome to Christianity, and theologians and historians have debated what form of Christianity he converted to. Constantine had been exposed to Christianity by his mother Helena, but there is disagreement among scholars as to whether he adopted his mother's Christianity in his youth, or gradually over the course of his life. Constantine received baptism only shortly before his death.