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Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Roma, Italy

From USD 97.43

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travellers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
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Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Unique Experiences
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Find out what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator at the Gladiator School of Rome. During a hands-on lesson with instructors from the Historic Group of Rome, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt. Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history, sports, and culture. Select a lesson time when booking.
  • 2-hour Roman gladiator training
  • Learn gladiator fighting techniques from members of the Historic Group of Rome
  • Wear and use traditional clothing and weapons
  • Includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum
  • Choice of lesson times throughout the day

What's Included

  • 2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day
  • Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome
  • Drink
  • Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and beverages, unless specified

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Via Appia Antica, 18
    Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy

    Departure Point: Lessons commence at the Gladiator School of Rome, located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from The Colosseum Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179, Rome, Italy Directions: Either take Metro (line B) and get off at OSTIENSE and take the bus number 118 OR take Metro (line A), get off at stop SAN GIOVANNI and then take bus number 218. However in the spirit of easy access - we suggest taking a taxi (approx. 10-15 euros) to access the school Dates: Daily Opening hours 9:30am - 1:30pm 2:00pm - 6:00pm Return point: Concludes at the Gladiator School of Rome

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your gladiator lesson takes place at the Gladiator School of Rome, located near the Colosseum on the historic Appian Way. Specializing in the reenactment of ancient Roman life and gladiator fighting, your instructors are members of the Historic Group of Rome and will begin your class by providing you with your costume — a traditional belt, tunic, leather gloves, and a training sword known as a rudis.

Learn the basic skills of gladiator sword fighting before summoning your imagination and channeling your inner ancient Roman as you fight off ferocious lions and battle other sword-wielding gladiators. If you wish, you can participate in an optional gladiator tournament, complete with a prize for the victor. Either way, all participants receive a certificate of accomplishment at the end of your lesson.

Friends and family are allowed to watch your class from the viewing platform. Admission to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum is also included so you can check out gladiator weapons and other artifacts.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

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Traveller Tips

Just be aware that the school is held at a site not close to the coliseum, and you will need a cab there and back.
If you’re traveling Italy with kids, this is a must.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough - it's definitely worth it!

Reviews

4.5
1,096 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Showing 1-10 of 1,096 reviews
We signed up for this...
David_B, June 2023
We signed up for this experience liking to address our 13 yr old grandson. The program may be excellent, but he was generally too old for the program and felt out of place. We stayed for the opening presentation, which was very good. This May be excellent for younger boys perhaps up to 11.
We found the initial tour...
Claire_B, June 2023
We found the initial tour in the room with all of the outfits and equipment really interesting. In fact we could have spent longer in here - the kids learnt a lot and were eager to hear more. The training itself was lots of fun for the kids and adults. Our children had a very memorable morning!
I had a blast!
Josh_C, June 2023
Christian was an incredible gladiator guide and teacher! I learned so much about the technical aspects of Roman and gladiator fighting, and got to have a real gladiator fight (with foam centurion swords)!
Horrible location..
Nancy_M, June 2023
Horrible location… 20 minutes from historic center of Rome, when getting close, the taxi turned down a dirt road that was desolate. The School was all the way down. Once dropped off by taxi there were no taxis available anywhere around to get you back to the hotel. We had two children with us and were afraid we would not get back to hotel so we did not stop. Requested a refund.
Tiring but amazing!!!
Shahnawaz_A, June 2023
A great experience for my boys 13 and 11. There were others in the group with ages ranging from 6-7 to 50 years. Everyone had great time . Our moderator girl was good in managing this group of 10 individuals.I would highly recommend it. I would suggest to take insect repellent and try to arrive early as there is only one bus that goes there so you need to give yourself plenty of time.
Lots of fun
Jennifer_H, May 2023
Really fun for children and parents! Educational on levels of gladiators and how they fought. Lots of fun learning moves, training and sparing! Totally recommend
Being a gladiator for your 60th birthday!
Jo_D, May 2023
What a great little gem of an activity, we went in the morning before going to the colosseum in the afternoon. It was great fun even tho the weather was a bit rainy. We learnt a lot laughed a lot and the experience will stay in our memories forever, highly recommend.
School is for cool kids (and kids at heart)
Vanessa_P, May 2023
My husband and I just got married and love the movie gladiator so I picked this excursion. Heads up there are a lot of kids (10 or so), if you are a kid at heart go for it. If you have kids and they're older than 5 definitely go for it. Beware there is talk of blood and death which is fair, this is gladiator school. Overall, we had a fun time!
Excellent experience
Jonathan_H, Apr 2023
It was a great experience that was really hands on. The group was amazing and the leader was very informative.
Fun way to bring Gladiators to life!
Erica_R, Apr 2023
A great compliment to a visit to Rome and the Colosseum. Kids have a chance to learn about Gladiator history in the museum, sharpen their gladiator skills, and face off in gladiator battles. The team runs a well run program that is both educational and fun. I would recommend this activity to anyone visiting Rome with kids. Things to know: about half of the adults there signed up to participate, the other half watched. It can be a few minutes wait for a taxi afterwards so you may want to order an uber before it wraps up.
Wonderful Experience for Families!
Elizabeth_H, Apr 2023
Our family signed up for Gladiator School after a morning tour of the Colosseum. It was a welcome break for our youngest son (aged 7) from all of the museum and historic sightseeing. Our instructor was full of energy and kept the large class of families engaged. Our reluctant middle school aged son ended up also enjoying the afternoon. A wonderfully fun family experience while in Rome and the boys picked up a lot on the gladiator life and Roman fighters during the presentation beforehand!
Cave!
Barbara_H, Apr 2023
Very interesting facts about roman empire, gladiators and roman legions...exercising with swords...and finaly fight in arena...we all loved it. Super great experience!
Wonderful experience
Anton_R, Apr 2023
Wonderful experience! Well spent time with my wife and kid. He enjoyed it that much that he wanted to return the next day.
Perfect "warm up" before visiting the Colosseum.
Kim_O, Apr 2023
It was a great experience for our family "boys". The ladies watched from the stands as Citizens of Rome, while the father and son became Gladiators. They learned a bit in the museum, did some fun (and funny!) training, then had some actual "battles" in the arena. The teachers go all out, including epic music, the Emperor to pass final sentence, and lots of light-hearted sparring all in good (but tasteful) fun for even the smallest children in the group. The adults had as much fun as the kids did. Great fun before visiting the Colosseum!
A fun break from sightseeing.
Jennifer_N, Apr 2023
We had a great time and learned a lot. My 10 year old son was thrilled. My 6yo daughter was a little bored, but had a decent time. A nice break from sightseeing.
Fun experience for the family
Ivan_B, Apr 2023
Very fun experience for families, particular children. Likely better for slightly older children, perhaps 6 or 7 versus younger. The training likely varies considerably depending on the instructor, but ours was well experienced and knowledgeable. Very fun for our entire family.
Bravissimo
Carl_M, Apr 2023
Of all of the visit to Rome activity this tops the Vatican, catacombs, pantheon, and coliseum underground. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, they challenge you and the kids leave tired with smiles permanently on their faces. Bravissimo
Highlight of our trip for my 9 yo son
Annemarie_S, Apr 2023
The school is not close to the colosseum- you should take a taxi. But the experience was the highlight of the trip. The instructors were so engaged, understanding and accommodating. I took my 9 yo son who participated and loved it and my 5 yo daughter was able to watch.
Fun Time Had By All!
Bethany_B, Apr 2023
This was a lot of fun. There are lots of props to look at on the grounds. Excellent staff at the experience!
As good as it was 10 years ago!
Elaine_M, Apr 2023
A fun-filled family experience. Our gladiator training was as good as we remembered having visited 10 years previously. Our 9 year old daughter loved it and so did we. Highly recommended!
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