For the category list, see Lanistas.





A lanista was a man who purchased and looked after gladiators. They could gain considerable wealth in renting or selling gladiators, particularly to small, local games but their social status was considered low. Newly bought gladiators were formed into troupes called 'Familia gladiatorium'. The lanista was also responsible for training the gladiators.

Training involved the learning of a series of figures, which were broken down into various phases. Sometimes fans complained that a gladiator fought too mechanically, according to the numbers.









