logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
53m 18s

Roman Gladiators

Slumber Studios
About this episode
The Roman gladiators have fascinatingly complex history, from paintings on cave walls to the Colosseum and the silver screen. These warriors, both celebrated and condemned, left behind a legacy of bravery, brutality, and spectacle. Who were they, and what did their lives truly entail? Tonight, uncover the history, culture, and untold stories of Roman gladiators as you drift into a peaceful sleep.

Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
Written by: Jo Steer


About Sleepy History 
Delve into history's most intriguing stories, people, places, events, and mysteries, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. If you struggle to fall asleep and you have a curious mind, Sleepy History is the perfect bedtime companion. Our stories will gently grasp your attention, pulling your mind away from any racing thoughts, making room for the soothing music and calming narration to guide you into a peaceful sleep. 

Want to enjoy Sleepy History ad-free? Start your 7-day free trial of Sleepy History Premium: https://sleepyhistory.supercast.com/

Have feedback or an episode request? Let us know at: slumberstudios.com/contact

Sleepy History is a production of Slumber Studios. To learn more, visit www.slumberstudios.com.
Up next
Jul 6
Gunpowder
Gunpowder—an invention that forever changed the course of history. From its ancient, accidental discovery in China to its powerful role in warfare, exploration, and celebration, this simple mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal reshaped empires and redrew maps. But how was i ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 29
Sleep Science
Sleep—that mystical journey into the quiet mysteries of the night. For centuries, sleep was a puzzle wrapped in dreams and superstition. But through curiosity and discovery, scientists began to uncover its vital role in healing, memory, and the mind. How did we come to understand ... Show More
54m 50s
Jun 22
Haute Couture
Haute couture—where fashion becomes art, and every stitch tells a story of elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship. Born in the ateliers of Paris, haute couture represents the pinnacle of design, with garments made by hand for only a select few. But how did this luxurious traditi ... Show More
44m 36s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
The Gladiators (Repeat)
Take a trip back in time to Ancient Rome, to discover the bizarre and barbaric world of the gladiators. But who were these mysterious warriors? And how much truth lies behind the legends? Take your seat in the Roman Colosseum, the games are about to begin. This is a Short History ... Show More
51m 23s
May 29
The Gladiators
Take a trip back in time to Ancient Rome, to discover the bizarre and barbaric world of the gladiators. But who were these mysterious warriors? And how much truth lies behind the legends? Take your seat in the Roman Colosseum, the games are about to begin. A Noiser production, wr ... Show More
46m 30s
Nov 2024
Roman Emperors in the time of Gladiator II
Ridley Scott’s epic historical sequel, Gladiator II promises to be a dramatic and spectacular, if not particularly historically accurate roller-coaster ride through the Roman Empire. And while there are already some excellent videos out there discussing the authenticity of the ba ... Show More
31m 21s
Nov 2024
Gladiators: everything you wanted to know
Who became a gladiator? Were they really the superstars of their day? And was giving a thumbs down for a death sentence a real thing? As Gladiator II hits cinemas, Emily Briffett speaks with historian Alison Futrell to answer your top questions about ancient Rome’s arena fighters ... Show More
57m 8s
Apr 10
History's Worst F*ckboys: Emperor Caligula
Have you ever heard of the Emperor who made his horse a senator? Seems like a top bloke, right? Today on Betwixt the Sheets we’re going to meet (possibly) the most debauched Roman Emperor. From stealing brides from their wedding days to an unhealthy obsession with his sister, who ... Show More
46m 2s
Nov 2024
Caracalla & Geta: The Real Emperors of Gladiator II
The new Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator II features two of Rome's most villainous emperors - the brothers Caracalla and Geta. And in today's episode of The Ancients were delving into the real history of these scheming siblings. Their story is a blood-stained and chilling one. It ... Show More
54m 35s
Jul 2024
The Roman Gladiator
The ferocious, professional fighters who fought in great arenas all across the Roman Empire for the pleasure of the crowd were the celebrities of their day. They were sex symbols and yet they also ranked amongst the lowest in Roman society. Today the gladiator is one of the great ... Show More
1h 2m
Nov 2024
Gladiator Women of Ancient Rome
Evidence shows us that women gladiators fought in front of baying crowds in Ancient Rome. Who were these women? How would these fights have played out? And what did the rest of Rome think of women taking up such a masculine space? Joining Kate is historian and expert in all thing ... Show More
34m 50s
Nov 2024
Fall of the Etruscans
Before Rome came the Etruscans - they were the dominant culture in ancient Italy in the centuries before Rome's imperial expansion. But how did they fall? In this episode of the Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by archeologist Lucy Shipley to chronicle the decline of this once ... Show More
55m 48s
Nov 2024
Gladiator tales
How did gladiators supercharge the rise of Julius Caesar? What can we learn about arena fighters from the petrified remains at Pompeii? And why did gladiatorial bouts get banned there for a whole decade? As Gladiator II arrives in cinemas later this week, Guy de la Bédoyère share ... Show More
39m 58s