What Were Gladiator Owners Called

At its head was the owner and trainer of gladiators, called a lanista. Among types of gladiators were the Thracian, who carried a small round shield called a parma, and a retiarius who carried a fishnet and a trident. A murmillo carried a sword and shield similar to those used by Roman soldiers.

What was the owner of a Ludus called?

Ludi were to be found throughout the city, and were run by a ludi magister (schoolmaster) who was often an educated slave or freedman. School started around six o’clock each morning and finished just after midday.

Who were the lanista?

A lanista was a man who purchased and looked after gladiators. They could gain considerable wealth in renting or selling gladiators, particularly to small, local games but their social status was considered low. Newly bought gladiators were formed into troupes called ‘Familia gladiatorium’.