GladiatorsRome had many great things, not least in their love of brutality. Many Romans enjoyed taking a break from their old, harsh lives and watching grown men fight humans, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) to the death. Gladiators made up a large part of Roman society and a large part of Roman culture. The people of Rome loved gladiator fights. The Roman Colosseum was built to meet the standards of a bloody and brutal battle while still being able to provide comfort and entertainment for 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 in a ludus gladiatorious to be trained where abuse was common. A day consisted of lifting weights and learning the art of death. They were trained based on physical attributes or skills. For example, if one were to be a tall and bulky man, one was trained like a brute. The smaller, more agile ones were trained in the skills of trickery. There were also many more types of gladiators. The most common types of gladiators were formed into 3 main categories. Samnitie, Retarius and Myrmillo. A Samnitie carried a sword and a long shield, a Retarius carried a trident and used a trap, and finally a Myrmillo carried a dagger and shield and was protected by leg bands and a leather belt. During the events at the Roman Colosseum, the gladiators fought the first battle. Then come 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, during which the winner received...... middle of paper ...... only benefited from the devastation of the resulting town, building a lavish private palace on part of the site of the fire. To distract from the rumors, Nero ordered the Christians rounded up and killed. Some were torn apart by dogs, others burned alive like human torches. When Roman Emperor Constantine the Great ruled Rome, Christianity became the primary religion of the Roman Empire. Many people remain uncertain as to why Constantine converted Rome to Christianity, and theologians and historians have argued over which form of Christianity he converted to. Constantine had been exposed to Christianity through his mother Helena, but there is no agreement among scholars as to whether he adopted Christianity from his mother in his youth or gradually over the course of his life. Constantine received baptism only shortly before his death.