Elin Dahal
598 Words
August 20, 79 AD
The training grounds are not as bad as I thought. Our sleeping quarters are quite spacious. We receive three meals a day from the attendants. Although they are not delicacies, they are enough to satisfy our hunger. Every day we go to the Ludus, a small building where we learn combat tactics and weapon handling. There is a large field where we do our combat practice. The weapons they give us for practice are either blunt or dull, so we won’t kill or maim each other. If someone still manages to get them self injured, there is always a medical staff standing by. This is much better than the facility at Rome, where they simply gave us weapons and threw us into the Coliseum. Still, they make us fight against our will, and it is slavery. Since the Emperor won’t let me get my rudis, I have decided I must escape. I have a strange feeling that something big is about to happen, something to do with Vesuvius. It is time for me to go to the Ludus; I will continue this when I have the chance.
August 24, 79 AD (Continued from above)
The last three days have been like a madman’s dream. No, more like a nightmare. I will start from the beginning. On the 21st, the trainers told us our first fight in the Amphitheater would be on Friday, the 23rd. They did not give more detail. We were told that a senator was coming, and we had to impress him. We trained nonstop, and I had no time to write. In the middle of the night I felt another tremor. This time a few of the other gladiators and I definitely saw smoke coming from Vesuvius. Our superiors thought we had gone delirious, but the captains said it would make Friday’s match more exciting. The next day they told us it would be an execution match; they would put us in with groups of prisoners and criminals, which we were to slaughter in front of thousands of people. I was so disgusted by this, and I knew I had to make my escape before the match. On the day of the battle, they put us into separate waiting rooms, until our names were called for battle. I quickly made my escape, but I ran into a group of guards. They surrounded me, and I thought that my time was up. Then, out of no where, there was a tremor a thousand times greater than any I felt before. The roof of the room collapsed and killed a few of the guards. The remaining guards fled in fear. I quickly followed suit. I fled to the tunnels deep in the bowels of the amphitheater. Every few seconds there would be another shake that would send me sprawling. Half running, half crawling I made my way to the sewers, which led to the hill opposite to Vesuvius. The water was boiling and bubbling, but it was shallow. I made my way to the end of the tunnel, and emerged on the hill. Nothing could have prepared me for the scene I saw down the hill. Vesuvius had exploded; the air was thick with ash and dust. Huge chunks of rock rained down on Pompeii, and the buildings were crumbling before my eyes. The once peaceful gardens were burning in a never-ending flame. The people were yelling and screaming and pushing. Babies were crying, and people stared in disbelief at the once peaceful mountain. Even the godly statues seemed to be screaming as they watched their city being destroyed. I couldn’t watch it anymore. I ran, and I don’t know where I will go, I just know I couldn’t stay there anymore.
May 27, 2008
The March
Elin Dahal
332 Words
February 2, 79 AD
We started our journey from Rome to Pompeii in the beginning of January. We took the Appian Way up until the city of Capua. We rested there for a few days, but our marching captain told us we had to leave the city. Apparently there was a legion of foot soldiers marching on the Appian Way coming our way. We are told that almost 400 years ago, during the Punic Wars, Capua was used to house over 60,000 soldiers. Now it is occupied by only about 20,000 citizens. We left Capua, and marched on a dirt road that branched off of the Appian Way. It was not an easy change. The Appian Way was well paved and for the most part, smooth. About every ten miles there was a shaded rest stop. Most of the slaves had to wait in the sun, but since I was a champion, they let me sit under the shade, along with the other champions. On this road there were no rest stops, only the occasional tree. We walked for what seemed like months, and then we finally arrived at the town of Herculaneum. Our captain said that we could stay for a week or two, but we had to reach Pompeii before Terminalia, the festival marking the end of the religious year. The festival is to be held on February 23, so that gives us a few weeks.
Herculaneum is in the shadow of a large mountain called Vesuvius. We are told that Pompeii is on the adjacent side. The mountain is usually very serene and actually quite beautiful. However, yesterday I felt the ground shake a little. The locals don’t seem worried about it. They say that it’s been happening more often lately. The soothsayers say that the mountain god is also preparing for Terminalia. This morning I swear I saw what looked like smoke coming from Vesuvius. Everyone says I was dreaming. Still, I worry.
332 Words
February 2, 79 AD
We started our journey from Rome to Pompeii in the beginning of January. We took the Appian Way up until the city of Capua. We rested there for a few days, but our marching captain told us we had to leave the city. Apparently there was a legion of foot soldiers marching on the Appian Way coming our way. We are told that almost 400 years ago, during the Punic Wars, Capua was used to house over 60,000 soldiers. Now it is occupied by only about 20,000 citizens. We left Capua, and marched on a dirt road that branched off of the Appian Way. It was not an easy change. The Appian Way was well paved and for the most part, smooth. About every ten miles there was a shaded rest stop. Most of the slaves had to wait in the sun, but since I was a champion, they let me sit under the shade, along with the other champions. On this road there were no rest stops, only the occasional tree. We walked for what seemed like months, and then we finally arrived at the town of Herculaneum. Our captain said that we could stay for a week or two, but we had to reach Pompeii before Terminalia, the festival marking the end of the religious year. The festival is to be held on February 23, so that gives us a few weeks.
Herculaneum is in the shadow of a large mountain called Vesuvius. We are told that Pompeii is on the adjacent side. The mountain is usually very serene and actually quite beautiful. However, yesterday I felt the ground shake a little. The locals don’t seem worried about it. They say that it’s been happening more often lately. The soothsayers say that the mountain god is also preparing for Terminalia. This morning I swear I saw what looked like smoke coming from Vesuvius. Everyone says I was dreaming. Still, I worry.
The Disastrous Dinner
Devin Doherty
328 Words
February 2, 79 AD
Finally after three long years of battling opponents I am at my final battle I am against the champion if I win this I believe I earn a Rudus and my freedom… “Later that day the battle takes place.” I have done I have one now I have gained my freedom. “Emperor enters the room.” He says to me Maximus I have seen you battle and you are quite great and are loved by all in Rome I wish for you to be escorted to my palace after you have cleaned off I need to speak with you. Even though I did not like the Emperor much it was my only way of ever becoming free. One of his guards comes to my cell and escorts me to the palace. The Emperor says have a seat you will join me for dinner. I gratefully join him now thinking it is inevitable that I will get the Rudus. When dinner is over we talk I said to him “Great Emperor I have survived in battle for three years and have bested all my opponents I see that you are to give me my freedom and a Rudus.” The Emperor replies shocked of my words no you area to continue fighting you are loved by all citizens and I need you to continue fighting. I reply angrily no I will have my freedom and a Rudis (wooden sword of freedom). At this moment I would have killed him if not for his guards. He said to me you will do as I say and will continue fighting. All though once favored by him for defying him he has become angered with me and says I rid of you to Pompeii you are no longer a roman gladiator there you shall fight. The next day I am escorted there by wagon to train in Pompeii not having my Rudus or freedom for this he shall pay.
328 Words
February 2, 79 AD
Finally after three long years of battling opponents I am at my final battle I am against the champion if I win this I believe I earn a Rudus and my freedom… “Later that day the battle takes place.” I have done I have one now I have gained my freedom. “Emperor enters the room.” He says to me Maximus I have seen you battle and you are quite great and are loved by all in Rome I wish for you to be escorted to my palace after you have cleaned off I need to speak with you. Even though I did not like the Emperor much it was my only way of ever becoming free. One of his guards comes to my cell and escorts me to the palace. The Emperor says have a seat you will join me for dinner. I gratefully join him now thinking it is inevitable that I will get the Rudus. When dinner is over we talk I said to him “Great Emperor I have survived in battle for three years and have bested all my opponents I see that you are to give me my freedom and a Rudus.” The Emperor replies shocked of my words no you area to continue fighting you are loved by all citizens and I need you to continue fighting. I reply angrily no I will have my freedom and a Rudis (wooden sword of freedom). At this moment I would have killed him if not for his guards. He said to me you will do as I say and will continue fighting. All though once favored by him for defying him he has become angered with me and says I rid of you to Pompeii you are no longer a roman gladiator there you shall fight. The next day I am escorted there by wagon to train in Pompeii not having my Rudus or freedom for this he shall pay.
The Fights
Admir Fehric
313 Words
February 21, 76 AD
Today is my first of 3 fights through this year. As anyone, I hope to live. I am putting my armor on in a second. Its time for me to go fight. If I live I will right back in.
I have won the fight against 3 men. They were almost double my size but I jabbed them with my sword and I can’t stop looking at the pure and thick blood. When I looked up into the crowd, I saw the emperor of Rome. He was eating grapes and drinking wine. As I looked into the rest of the crowd I saw people placing bets and eating food and drinking.
February 19, 77 AD
Year 2: I have destroyed all my opponents in year 1 and have advanced into animals and human fights. My next fight is against 3 wild boars. I only have a dagger and must use my skills wisely.
I have come back from the fight and was scratched up pretty bad but I will live. I hope not to fight animals like that again.
February 12, 78 AD
This is my final year before the championship I have heard. I will advance to big fights and will fight a man named Tiger for the championship if I live that long! People will cheer and boo me.
I have won all 3 of my fights. I wasn’t able to write in because I was so busy training.
December 21, 78 AD
This will probably be my last entry as I have heard that he is a strong opponent. I have no one behind me that thinks I will win.
I have won! I stabbed him with a sword and made him beg for his life. I sliced his head off and am the champion of the arena. I am getting a invite from he emperor soon I hear. Lets hope I become free!!!
313 Words
February 21, 76 AD
Today is my first of 3 fights through this year. As anyone, I hope to live. I am putting my armor on in a second. Its time for me to go fight. If I live I will right back in.
I have won the fight against 3 men. They were almost double my size but I jabbed them with my sword and I can’t stop looking at the pure and thick blood. When I looked up into the crowd, I saw the emperor of Rome. He was eating grapes and drinking wine. As I looked into the rest of the crowd I saw people placing bets and eating food and drinking.
February 19, 77 AD
Year 2: I have destroyed all my opponents in year 1 and have advanced into animals and human fights. My next fight is against 3 wild boars. I only have a dagger and must use my skills wisely.
I have come back from the fight and was scratched up pretty bad but I will live. I hope not to fight animals like that again.
February 12, 78 AD
This is my final year before the championship I have heard. I will advance to big fights and will fight a man named Tiger for the championship if I live that long! People will cheer and boo me.
I have won all 3 of my fights. I wasn’t able to write in because I was so busy training.
December 21, 78 AD
This will probably be my last entry as I have heard that he is a strong opponent. I have no one behind me that thinks I will win.
I have won! I stabbed him with a sword and made him beg for his life. I sliced his head off and am the champion of the arena. I am getting a invite from he emperor soon I hear. Lets hope I become free!!!
Weapon Selection
Devin Doherty
315 Words
June 26, 76 AD
Today I chose the type of gladiator I wished to be and my armor and weapon. I have Chosen To be a Thracian which is a gladiator who had head chest and body coverings carried a small shield and sword. This seemed to be my best chose if I wanted to live it had the most protection and body covering. For the helmet I would wear for battle I chose a steel helmet which almost completely covered my face but I could still see. I did so because otherwise it could have easily knocked off and I could be beheaded. For my chest plate I have chosen a steel thick whit two stallions carved on it steel for maximum protection, I don’t plan on having a sword thrust into me. Then for my fore-arms I have chosen two coverings to block and fend off attacks as I fight. For my legs only 1 covering for my left leg two would have made it to difficult to be mobile in battle. In total my armor weighs 36 pounds it is a challenge to fight will having to carry that amount of weight but if this is how I survive then so be it. Recently I have watched other gladiators battle I have picked up on a few key tactics to surviving in this place. I have also noticed some viewers wear all the seemingly rich sit together with their long robes of usually white or gray. Then the poorer also sit together with robes but they seem made of cotton or wool not like the fine materials the others have. A most important thing I have picked up on though is to earn the rudis and my freedom I need the crowd on my side, the crowd is power.
315 Words
June 26, 76 AD
Today I chose the type of gladiator I wished to be and my armor and weapon. I have Chosen To be a Thracian which is a gladiator who had head chest and body coverings carried a small shield and sword. This seemed to be my best chose if I wanted to live it had the most protection and body covering. For the helmet I would wear for battle I chose a steel helmet which almost completely covered my face but I could still see. I did so because otherwise it could have easily knocked off and I could be beheaded. For my chest plate I have chosen a steel thick whit two stallions carved on it steel for maximum protection, I don’t plan on having a sword thrust into me. Then for my fore-arms I have chosen two coverings to block and fend off attacks as I fight. For my legs only 1 covering for my left leg two would have made it to difficult to be mobile in battle. In total my armor weighs 36 pounds it is a challenge to fight will having to carry that amount of weight but if this is how I survive then so be it. Recently I have watched other gladiators battle I have picked up on a few key tactics to surviving in this place. I have also noticed some viewers wear all the seemingly rich sit together with their long robes of usually white or gray. Then the poorer also sit together with robes but they seem made of cotton or wool not like the fine materials the others have. A most important thing I have picked up on though is to earn the rudis and my freedom I need the crowd on my side, the crowd is power.
The Capture
Admir Fehric
302 Words
June 15, 76AD
The day started like this: I got up killed a chicken and gave to my friend to pluck the feathers. While he was doing that I went to hunt some real meat. I went to hunt some deer. As I ran after a running deer I was attacked. There were at least 10 people. When I woke up from the fight I was in a cage. When I looked around the cage I saw another 3 people. The place were I was at had a hall which leads to some were. It has another area were there seem to be weapons and armor. It was a strange place and I had no idea were I was. I saw puddles of blood and guts. I even saw a cage of lions and another of rams. Then I finally knew what was going on. I’ve heard of these places. It’s a gladiator arena. How does this happen to me. I am roman and they capture there own for entertainment?!?!
They gave us a small area to walk around in and I met some people. I had over heard some people talking about a escape door in Pompeii. They were talking about breaking out when they get there. As I was listening to them they gave us some swords to practice. I was so strong I destroyed the dummy. They gave us a bow and arrow to practice with. The target had 3 layers. Red on the out. White in the middle and black on the center. They had to sets of uniforms. The better and worse. I was chosen as a best one. I got attached to my sword and I can’t wait until my first fight of my career.
302 Words
June 15, 76AD
The day started like this: I got up killed a chicken and gave to my friend to pluck the feathers. While he was doing that I went to hunt some real meat. I went to hunt some deer. As I ran after a running deer I was attacked. There were at least 10 people. When I woke up from the fight I was in a cage. When I looked around the cage I saw another 3 people. The place were I was at had a hall which leads to some were. It has another area were there seem to be weapons and armor. It was a strange place and I had no idea were I was. I saw puddles of blood and guts. I even saw a cage of lions and another of rams. Then I finally knew what was going on. I’ve heard of these places. It’s a gladiator arena. How does this happen to me. I am roman and they capture there own for entertainment?!?!
They gave us a small area to walk around in and I met some people. I had over heard some people talking about a escape door in Pompeii. They were talking about breaking out when they get there. As I was listening to them they gave us some swords to practice. I was so strong I destroyed the dummy. They gave us a bow and arrow to practice with. The target had 3 layers. Red on the out. White in the middle and black on the center. They had to sets of uniforms. The better and worse. I was chosen as a best one. I got attached to my sword and I can’t wait until my first fight of my career.
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