Roman Gladiators Were Vegetarian

Contrary to the chiseled, lean-muscled warriors often depicted in film, many Roman gladiators were nicknamed 'hordearii', or 'barley men'. This title was a literal nod to their diet, which has been confirmed by modern scientific analysis. Examination of bones from a gladiator graveyard in Ephesus, Turkey, revealed that these fighters subsisted primarily on plant-based foods like barley, beans, and dried fruit (Review). This carbohydrate-heavy regimen was not a sign of poverty but a deliberate strategic choice for life in the arena.

The purpose of this vegetarian diet was to cultivate a layer of subcutaneous fat over their muscles. This padding served as a form of natural armor, protecting underlying nerves, blood vessels, and organs from the shallow cuts and slashes common in gladiatorial combat. A wound that bled profusely but didn't immediately strike a vital area made for a more dramatic spectacle for the crowd and, more importantly, increased the gladiator's chances of survival. This extra layer could mean the difference between a superficial injury and a fatal blow.

To compensate for the low calcium levels in their plant-based diet, gladiators also consumed a unique supplement. Analysis of their bones shows remarkably high levels of strontium and calcium, suggesting they drank a tonic made from charred wood or bone ash. This ash-infused drink helped to fortify their skeletons, making their bones denser and more resistant to fractures, a crucial advantage in their brutal profession.