Gladiators: Back from the Dead

00:00:04 Brutal, bloody, spectacular.

00:02:30 So it's a very, very important city historically.

00:04:31 You've got powerfully built men, you've got the wounds

00:06:06 To substantiate the tantalising possibility

00:07:54 We took some measurements of the diameter of the puncture marks

00:09:45 thrown to wild animals to entertain the crowd.

00:12:04 ..and then provide the killing blow

00:14:06 At 1 metre 83 tall, from central Europe

00:16:05 The murmillo's elaborate armour and dominating physique

00:18:07 Not only was a sharp-bladed instrument used

00:20:13 The results established the men's childhood diets

00:22:09 This helmet belonged to the Thracian.

00:23:53 Something else that was interesting about this particular cranium

00:25:42 that this person really is dead.

00:28:02 So there would be, um, soft tissue injury, perhaps soft tissue infection

00:29:41 So you think about him doing the pursuing and not

00:31:20 told a very different side to the gladiator story.

00:33:04 often came from the upper echelons of Roman society.

00:35:10 that shed light on one of the Roman games' darkest practices.

00:37:14 right the way through puberty into adulthood.

00:39:27 When he was younger, he was probably involved

00:41:24 You have individuals that are at their physical prime.

00:43:42 a lot of blood, then you say these games are being held Sine Missione.

00:45:39 They're coming from the Celtic region.