What Did Gladiators Eat?
Quick Answer
Gladiators ate a diet that consisted of grains, vegetables and barley. Some gladiators were able to consume meat, but this was a rarity because meat was expensive and hard to keep fresh.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Gladiators had to eat foods high in protein and carbohydrates because of their demanding profession. Their owners fed them a couple of times a day because gladiators were a valuable and sometimes expensive investment. Most gladiators ate a vegetarian diet composed of nutritious foods that would give them the energy they needed to fight.
Modern-day scientists have studied the bones of gladiators in order to gain a better understanding of what type of food they ate. Many scientists have concluded that even though most gladiators subsisted off a vegetarian diet, there were abnormalities in the protein levels of some gladiators. This also indicates that certain gladiators may have had access to more meat or that their owners treated them more favorably.
Scientists also found that gladiators had a higher amount of calcium in their bones in comparison to the rest of the population. This difference was due to a mixture of water and plant ashes gladiators would drink before and after combat sessions to help strengthen their bones.
Learn more about Ancient RomeRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Did Poor Ancient Romans Eat?
A: Poor ancient Romans ate porridge or bread made from grains for almost every meal. The staples of the Roman diet consisted of barley, olive oil and wine, an... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Can Chickens Eat?
A: Chickens eat a diet that consists of commercial chicken feed, fruits, vegetables, grains, insects and worms. Laying hens may receive additional feed or sup... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Did the Rich Romans Eat?
A: Rich ancient Romans ate a very diverse diet of bread, meats, poultry, cheese, milk, eggs, fruits, seafood and wine. The wealthiest Romans ate three meals a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Foods Are You Not Allowed to Eat While on the Atkins Diet?
A: The Atkins diet eliminates foods made from grains, food with added sugar, fruits and fruit juices, most dairy products, starchy vegetables, beans, peas, al... Full Answer >Filed Under:
