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 Pair after pair of gladiators clashed in skilled hand-to-hand combat. They were fighting for their lives, and they fought furiously. The audience cheered them on. As corpses were dragged out through the Porta Libitina (Gate of the Dead) at the eastern end of the arena, more gladiators strutted in at the western end. Slaves raked fresh sand over the blood-soaked arena floor (arena comes from the Latin word for sand - harena) and the combat continued. When the last fight had ended, the few victorious gladiators were rewarded. Titus presented each with a palm branch - symbol of victory - and gold coins. The spectators, weary but satisfied, trailed out into the night. The first day was over. Ninety-nine more days lay ahead. |