Jewish Participation In Roman Gladiatorial Games Remains Uncertain, Study Shows

ROME, ITALY, APRIL 24: Participants wearing ancient Roman costumes attend the historical parade for the celebration of 2775th anniversary of Rome's foundation, in Rome, Italy. A new scholarly paper finds “inconclusive” evidence that Jews participated in the ancient Roman gladiatorial games. But it is clear that they defied rabbinic admonitions and attended the games as spectators. PHOTO BY RICCARDO DE LUCA/GETTY IMAGES

A new scholarly paper finds “inconclusive” evidence that Jews participated in the ancient Roman gladiatorial games. But it is clear that they defied rabbinic admonitions and attended the games as spectators, wrote Haggai Olshanetsky, a University of Basel postdoctoral fellow in ancient civilizations.

Three types of people bore weapons in ancient arenas, Olshanetsky told Zenger News, but although all three are often labeled “gladiators,” two are incorrectly identified as such.