Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Master the basics of hand-to-hand combat at a genuine gladiator school on the ancient Appian Way. You'll discover the secrets of Imperial Rome's gladiator games, get hands-on with ancient Roman history and have the best fun you can imagine!

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 6 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!

2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day

Drink

Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop off

Food and beverages, unless specified

What To Expect

Parents and/or companions do not have to pay the ticket if they do not attend the course 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.

Options

Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Option 1: Lesson beginning at 9am

Reviews

4.69

1,466 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1167

200

One of our favorite experiences in Italy
Shammara C,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our family (including a 9 yr old) truly enjoyed learning about the swords, shields, armor and how to fight. Mirko was a fantastic and enthusiastic teacher, you can tell he loves what he does. Could not recommend this more! It would make a great birthday party location too…
Amazing!
Emma V,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We visited the Gladiator School in Rome and absolutely loved it! It was such an amazing experience — fun, engaging and brilliantly organised. The instructor was full of passion and made the whole session come alive with humour, history and excitement. The mix of learning about ancient Roman gladiators and actually training like one was fantastic for both kids and adults. We honestly didn’t want it to end — it was so enjoyable that we wished we could have stayed longer. It’s definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Rome and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something unique, active and unforgettable
Fun Family Experience at the Gladiator School
Delia A,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
After visiting the Colosseum, we decided to walk to the Gladiator School ; we got a bit lost on the way, so make sure to take your time getting there as it’s a little tricky to find. But once you arrive, it’s absolutely worth it! The experience was fantastic, educational, and full of energy. We learned about ancient Roman history, practiced real gladiator techniques, and ended the day with big smiles. A great activity for families! highly recommended!
Excellent, educational, energetic experience (wear insect repellent)
MrsPJT,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an excellent experience, with a charismatic, knowledgeable leader, who knew how to manage little boys with lots of energy and give them a great time (the girls had fun too!). I'd recommend a taxi to get there and a bus back, and WEAR INSECT REPELLENT. It is totally infested with mosquitos and had 20-50 bites each after 2 hours.
Great time for everyone
Geoff E,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a fantastic experience! The kids loved it so much. It was a great combination of a brief museum trip where the kids got to see and hold the weapons and gear of the time and then training and then finished up with the excitement battle in the arena!
Highly recommended, fun
Maria M,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent activity, fantastic and enthusiastic monitor, motivates us all a lot, delighted children and parents too.
Fantastic morning
Erica Q,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience exceeded all expectations. It will be remembered always by our 7 year old grandson. The event lasted a good 2 hours and was fun filled from start to finish. Mirco, the instructor, was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He pitched information and exercises at the right level for all participants and his energy and enthusiasm were amazing. Thank you so much.
A great experience!
Todd G,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an amazing experience and the instructor was fantastic. My daughter and I loved it. Educational and a lot of fun.
Quality
Maps11862157896,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a fun few hours. Lesrned lots about gladiators and Roman history in general. Suitable for children aswell as adults.
We learned to be gladiators!
Valerie F,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour was AWESOME! We were two adults, my uncle and I, and we booked the early morning gladiator experience and were the only two on the tour. Our guide was incredible; he was funny, friendly and very knowledgeable with Gladiator artifacts and history. We wish we had a little more time to see the impressive museum inside the grounds of the Gladiator school, the artifacts and many different helmets and armor and everything inside was very very cool. After the explanation in the museum, in which we were able to put on some of the armor, we went outside to learn techniques the gladiators used in fighting and to warm up at an obstacle course. We were also able to try to fight with swords and shields! Our guide also explained they regularly hold reenactments and just recently competed with their group in a national tournament. This experience was very fun and was the highlight of our trip. I would recommend this to everyone! Adults, families, anyone and everyone— go and check out this gladiator school!