Gladiators and Signals

Referees in gladiatorial combat were often retired gladiators, adding a layer of respect to the fights. The famous phrase "we who are about to die salute you" has a murky history, originating from a single account involving condemned criminals before a naval battle. Additionally, the meaning of hand signals like thumbs up or down is debated, with some historians suggesting that these gestures may have been the opposite of what is commonly believed. Surprisingly, not all gladiators were slaves; some were free men, even from noble ranks, who chose this perilous path.