I have for you one of the most fun and educational experiences we had on our recent trip to Rome—taking the kids to Rome’s Gladiator School. If you’re heading to the Eternal City with your family, this is one activity you absolutely can’t miss. It’s a perfect blend of history, excitement, and hands-on fun that will leave your kids (and you) talking about it long after the trip is over.
Check out this review of the Gladiator School in Rome before purchasing your tickets!
What to Expect at Rome’s Gladiator School
The Gladiator School of Rome, run by the Gruppo Storico Romano, offers an immersive and interactive way to dive into ancient Roman history. Located near the Ancient Appian Way, this school is designed to transport you back to the days of the Roman Empire, where you can experience what it was like to be a gladiator in training. The school itself is like stepping into a real gladiatorial school, complete with an outdoor arena that mimics the training camps used by ancient Roman gladiators.
Here’s how the two-hour experience breaks down:
- History Lesson: You start off with a fascinating lesson about ancient Rome, the Roman Empire, and the life of a gladiator. The instructors do a great job of explaining the types of gladiators, the different training camps like Ludus Magnus, Ludus Dacicus, and Ludus Gallicus, and how gladiator fights were a massive part of daily life in ancient Rome. The kids were engaged, especially when they learned about the gladiator shows, wild beasts, and gladiator games that took place in the Colosseum and other arenas. The tour leader was hilarious and we were often laughing out loud.
- Gladiator Museum: Before the training, we visited the small museum on-site, which showcases ancient Roman weapons, armor, and other artifacts. It was a great way to wrap up the experience, giving the kids a deeper understanding of the history behind the fun they just had.
- Dressing the Part: After the history lesson, it’s time to get suited up. The kids (and adults, if you’re game) get to wear a traditional tunic and gear up with wooden swords, shields, and helmets, just like the ancient Roman gladiators. Seeing the kids in their gladiator outfits, acting like little Roman soldiers, was priceless.
- Gladiator Training: The real fun begins when the kids step into the training arena. The training session is where they get to learn and practice hand combat techniques used by professional gladiators. They learn how to swing a training sword, block with a shield, and even take part in an obstacle course that mimics the tough training gladiators would have endured. The instructors, who are professional fighters and experts in gladiator training, are amazing at making sure the kids are having a great time while also staying safe.
- Mock Gladiator Fights: At the end of the training, the kids get to show off their new skills in a mock gladiator battle. It’s all in good fun, with the instructors making sure everything is safe and controlled, but the kids felt like real gladiators battling in the arena. They loved every minute of it!
Book your Gladiator School experience and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Our Personal Experience at Gladiator School Rome
Let me tell you, the kids had a fabulous time at the Gladiator School of Rome. From the moment we arrived, the excitement was incredible. The school is located a bit outside the main tourist spots, so it felt like we were stepping into a secret part of ancient Rome—far from the hustle and bustle of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The outdoor arena where the training took place was dusty and atmospheric, just like you’d imagine a military camp would be.
The instructors, who were dressed in authentic Roman attire, immediately made the kids feel at ease. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor, which kept the kids engaged throughout the experience. My 10-year-old son, who is obsessed with anything related to the Roman Empire, was in heaven. He couldn’t get enough of learning about the different types of gladiators and how the Roman soldiers trained for battle.
Seeing the kids in their gladiator outfits was such a highlight. They looked like little professional gladiators ready to take on the gladiator games at the Colosseum. The gladiator training was intense but so much fun, and the instructors made sure everyone was having a great time while learning the basics of gladiator fighting. The mock battles were a hit, and my son is still talking about how he “won” his fight!
After the training, we spent some extra time exploring the Gladiator Museum, which had some really cool exhibits on ancient Roman gladiators and the daily life of a real gladiator. It was a nice way to cool down after the excitement of the arena and gave us all a chance to learn more about ancient Roman history.
This wasn’t just a one-time thing for us—my kids are already asking when we can go back. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, this is the best way to make history come alive for your kids. It’s not just a fun activity; it’s an educational experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Book your Gladiator School adventure today, and trust me, it’s one of the best things you’ll do in Rome!
Gladiator Training vs. Colosseum Tour
After spending the morning at Gladiator School, where the kids got to train like real gladiators, our visit to the Colosseum in the afternoon felt like the perfect sequel. The excitement from the morning carried over as the kids were eager to see the actual arena where gladiators once fought.
The Colosseum tour was a great wrap up to an amazing day. The kids were thrilled to recognize elements from their training at Gladiator School, like the types of weapons used and the stories of gladiator fights. Standing on the arena floor, where the action really happened, made everything they learned in the morning come to life. It was amazing to see their faces light up as they connected the dots between their hands-on experience at Gladiator School and the real history of the Colosseum.
If you’re planning to do both, I’d definitely recommend starting with Gladiator School—it sets the stage perfectly for a visit to the Colosseum and turns the whole day into an unforgettable Roman adventure.
What to Bring for Gladiator Training
We visited during a hot summer day, so being prepared made all the difference. Here’s what I’d recommend bringing:
- Breathable Clothing: The training is outdoors, and it gets pretty warm, so wear something light and breathable. The kids were in shorts and tees, which worked well.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: The dirt track in the training arena is uneven, so I’d recommend sturdy, closed-toe shoes. We loved our Birkenstock sandals for walking around Rome, but for this, closed-toe shoes were definitely better.
- Sun Protection: A good sun hat and sunscreen are essentials, especially for younger children. I used this sun hat and was glad I did.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially with all the running around. There are very limited facilities and no water station that I could see, so bring lots of water with you, especially in summer.
- Anti-Theft Bag: If you’re carrying valuables, an anti-theft bag is a smart choice. I took my anti-theft purse, and it was perfect.
- Mosquito Repellent – We got a bit eaten alive during this activity, and I definitely recommend bringing mosquito repellent to stay comfortable.
Final Thoughts on Our Gladiator Adventure
All in all, the Gladiator School of Rome was a great time for everyone. It was a perfect mix of fun, history, and physical activity—one of those unforgettable experiences that makes a family trip truly special. Whether you have a young kid who’s a budding historian or just want to try something different, this is the perfect day out in Rome.
So, if you’re looking for a fun way to explore ancient Roman history and give your kids an adventure they’ll never forget, make sure to add the Gladiator School Rome to your itinerary. You won’t regret it!
Book your Gladiator School experience and get ready to step back in time and become a gladiator for a day!
