Sex between Gladiators

A bit of history...

In ancient Rome, same-sex relationships were seen as a form of submission, where the most beautiful young men were awarded as prizes to dominant men.

Most gladiators were slaves or ex-convicts. Although current data is somewhat scattered, published research suggests that the average age of a gladiator was 27 years. Since many of these men were imprisoned by their masters, their ability to engage in sexual relationships with women was limited (at best).

To satisfy their carnal needs, gladiators often formed sexual bonds with each other, sometimes even romantic ones. This was something that was done openly. In fact, sexual acts between two men were often seen as signs of masculinity.

It should be noted that it was not until the year 390 that homosexuality was banned by order of the Christian emperors. But before this period, the term "homosexual" did not exist.

Generally, relationships occurred in a group setting, in an alliance of 4 to 6 men who took a young recruit and penetrated him in turns... We do not know whether with or without his consent.

What we do know is that the goal of "sexus coetus" (the name given to it at the time) was to help the apprentice learn to deal with pain. In many ways, this behavior reflects the harsh training given to new recruits in the ancient Roman army. There are even documented cases of young men volunteering to be sexually attacked by up to 15 men in a single day. As a gladiator, you could not refuse this type of training. To do so would earn you the label of being weak.

For a Roman, having relationships with men was quite normal; even those who possessed wealth and large Domus had young slaves to satisfy their anal and oral desires, although oral sex was not done as much.

In the palace and at large parties, it was also common. In fact, in the Roman Forum, Julius Caesar was known for his relationships with both men and women.