Roman Gladiator School: Master Hand-to-Hand Combat on the Ancient Appian Way

Acquire the fundamentals of close combat at an authentic gladiator academy located on the historic Appian Way. Uncover the mysteries of the gladiatorial games of Imperial Rome, interact directly with the history of ancient Rome, and experience unimaginable enjoyment!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Via Appia Antica, 18 - 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.

What's Included
  • Gladiator attire and weaponry included for your lesson!
  • 2-hour immersive Gladiator class
  • Complimentary drink
  • Training by the Historic Group of Rome’s experts
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and beverages, unless specified
Additional Information
  • Minimum age is 6 years
Location
Via Appia Antica, 18
Via Appia Antica
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
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(1314 Ratings)
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Raymond_w
Jul 23, 2024
Nice, educational and fun activity for my grandsons! - My grandsons enjoyed being trained as gladiators! It was a fun event instead of all the history that Rome has to offer. One thing to beware of are mosquitoes at the training site! Make sure to use bug spray as my grandsons got bitten a lot!
Review provided by Viator
809mar_aisabelg
Jul 17, 2024
Fun for children but also for adults - Wonderful and fun experience. They were very nice and instructive. We learned to be true gladiators.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
549nancy
Jul 15, 2024
Fun Time With Our Grandson - Took our 9 year old grandson, who was very excited to go to gladiator school, and he loved it. The participants ranged from children and teenagers to parents. They do a great job of making everyone comfortable with getting into the spirit of being a gladiator and everyone had fun. We just watched and had a great time as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gigi_c
Jul 13, 2024
Amazing experience - We made this as our last stop in Rome, after a few days of sightseeing. Our boys, aged 7 and 9, said this was the best experience of their trip. Ivan, our gladiator trainer, was wonderful and made the boys feel like true gladiators. You may be turned off by the cost but it was worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Corban_q
Jul 11, 2024
We who are about to die, salute you! - Gladiator school and our instructor was fantastic. My kids said it was the highlight of their trip to Rome!
Review provided by Viator
Christina_d
Jul 9, 2024
Highlight of our trip to Rome! - We have three kids ages 12, 10, and 7 who participated in Gladiator School. They loved it, and we loved watching them have such a good time. It was both educational and fun and a highlight of our trip to Rome.
Review provided by Viator
Lourdesm_i
Jul 7, 2024
Fun and Educational - This was so much fun! Our son and his friends loved it. It was not only immersive but educational. Our guide did a fantastic job keeping the kids engaged into history of gladiators. One memorable quote is that it’s important to learn the history even if it is brutal for today’s standards but this is how we learn so we don’t repeat it. Excellent!!
Review provided by Viator
Dawn_l
Jul 6, 2024
Fun for children, teens and adults alike. - Fun for children, teens and adults alike. Being introduced to artifacts like helmets, swords, and shields, as well as having the opportunity to try them on and hold them, provided perspective. The training - attack and defensive techniques - were important to learn and useful in the end.
Review provided by Viator
Cassandra_o
Jul 5, 2024
Really Fun! - This was a highlight for the vacation in Italy. Especially to take a break from site seeing. So much fun for the whole family! They managed to get everyone involved even reserved teenagers and adults! Getting transportation to and from was a little difficult because of rush hour traffic and transportation strike. Think about arranging in advance for both directions.
Review provided by Viator
Linda_h
Jul 5, 2024
Bastian visit - Ivan was outstanding in his presentation and made it fun and interesting for adults and teens. Highly recommend this experience. Enjoy!!!
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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