Around 180 CE, in the lavish amphitheatres of the Roman Empire, trained gladiators entertained vast audiences by fighting to the death. Armed with a sword, a lance or a harpoon, the gladiator faced his opponent: a wild animal ready to strike, or a condemned criminal looking to save his own life. When the duel began, bloodthirsty spectators cheered, applauding every severed limb and spurt of blood. Ultimately, there could be only one outcome in the gladiatorial

arena – one dead body, and one victorious champion. From the Samurai in Japan to Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring, Gladiators traces the evolution of one-to-one combat through the ages.

Contents includes

Emperors and Gladiators, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Who Were the Gladiators? The Colosseum, Spartacus Samurai : The Way of the Warrior, Wandering Swordsmen,The First Samurai, The Last Samurai

Medieval Tournaments: A Day at the Melee, Bohort, Pas d’armes, The Jousts, Armour

Duelling: The Duel of Honour, Sword Duels, Pistol Duels, Duellists and Duels

Also includes Boxing, Gunmen and Fighter Pilots