14. Most celebrity gladiators wielded their swords against men – but one of the 1st-century best-loved fighters was a slayer or wild beasts
Normally, bestiarii, gladiators trained to fight wild beasts, never lasted more than one day in the arena. Carpophorus was a notable exception. During the 1st century AD, he made a name for himself as a slayer of ferocious animals. On the opening day at the Flavian Amphitheatre, in front of a huge crowd and Emperor Titus, he faced lions, bears and leopards – and won! For good measure, he also killed a rhino with a spear. For his unique skills, Carpophorus earned huge sums of money and, a rarity for a bestiaries, became a celebrity.