Recently, tattoos have become extremely popular, because men and women are trying to make themselves more attractive, thus expressing their originality and individuality. When choosing a sketch, everyone is trying to find the best option for themselves, able to express the features of the character of their owner. One of the popular variants of natal images that is in demand, both among girls and men is a tattoo of a gladiator.
Gladiator is a sword (in Latin). As we know from the lessons of history, gladiators were forced men, slaves, or soldiers who were taken prisoner during the battle. A gladiator could also be a criminal who wished to participate in battles. Initially, people were trained to wield a sword and fight with it, and then put them on top of each other to arrange the fight not to life, but to death.
Tattoo gladiator: history
As has already been said, a gladiator is a servile warrior who participates in bloody confrontations. This type of fighting first appeared in Ancient Rome and was held in special arenas with spectators for seven centuries. At first, the Romans held these events, performances only during feasts, thus the gladiator who died during the fight served as a religious sacrifice to Mars, who was considered the bloodthirsty god of war. Later, gladiatorial fights were so beloved by the locals that they began to be held as a revelry on any occasion.
The Romans adopted the sacrifice to a god from the Greeks, Etruscans and Egyptians. The reason for the creation of such duels was the huge number of inhabitants, conquered by force or voluntarily annexed to the vast Roman Empire. Originally, only prisoners and criminals could become gladiators and they were sentenced to death. There was also a law according to which a victorious gladiator could accumulate a lot of money and redeem his life. There were also known cases where ordinary and free people who wanted to earn money went to the fights.
All gladiators were divided into several categories, depending on the quantity and quality of ammunition, weapons and aids. There were also gladiators on foot and those who fought on horseback. The battle could be fought against a man or an animal. Categories of gladiators:
- Andabats.
- Pregenarii.
- Venators.
- Tertiaries.
- Murmillons.
- Provocateurs.
- Samnites.
- Dimacherians.
- Gauls.
- Retiarii and others.
In order to become a gladiator, one had to recognize oneself as "legally dead" and take an oath, after which one entered a world of other concepts and laws. The ideological basis of duels was the sacrifice of the living in order to feed the dead. It is worth noting that to become a gladiator in the future could not only men, but also girls, as well as dwarves.
In 404, Emperor Honorius established an official ban on gladiatorial fights, as Christianity resented such an action. The reason for the decision was the death of a monk who was killed by the public, because he tried to stop the fight by running out into the arena. After that the fights were purely entertaining, almost all the fighters stayed alive and earned money that way. In case of war, gladiators were the first people drafted into the army. It was only after the collapse of the Roman Empire that gladiators and their confrontations finally ceased to exist.
Tattoo gladiator: the modern meaning for guys and girls
Since gladiators are warriors, fighters accustomed to blood and death, the gladiator tattoo symbolizes fearlessness, courage, hopelessness and despair. In general, this tattoo is considered masculine and is suitable for sports personalities. The meaning of the tattoo gladiator for men:
- Loyalty.
- The desire to be free and independent.
- Aggression.
- Courage.
- The absence of fear.
Sometimes a similar tattoo is also decided on the girls, and for them the tattoo with the image of a gladiator has a slightly different meaning, namely:
- Courage.
- Loyalty.
- Love for freedom.
It is worth noting that a particularly popular tattoo with the image of a gladiator is used among prisoners. Thus, representatives of the criminal world create the image of a former "wolf", as additional elements use puddles of blood or blood that runs down the weapon. Often the owners of such a tattoo have been convicted of sadism or hooliganism. Also with the help of this image stigmatized fighters who carry out physical violence. On the body of a convict, a gladiator tattoo can be found on the shoulder, back, between the shoulder blades or on the chest.
What does the tattoo mean?
Essentially, the image of the armor speaks for itself. However, we can also dig deeper, turning to the history of chivalry, for example. Let's figure out what the meaning of a tattoo of armor might be:
- Courage and courage. Without these qualities, it is impossible to be a true warrior. Our life, although we no longer walk around with swords at our belt, is a continuous struggle for our place under the sun.
- Honor and prudence. Fighting is fighting, but it's up to us to use which methods to achieve our goals. If you saw a man with a tattoo of armor on his forearm, for example, perhaps he wants to demonstrate that he is not capable of dishonorable actions, he will not go over his head to achieve the goal. His actions never go against his principles and beliefs.
- Freedom. The personal freedom of a true knight came first. He obeyed only his suzerain and no one else. Therefore, a tattoo in the form of armor can speak of a freedom-loving personality.
Tattoo gladiator on the arm, shoulder and other parts of the body
Tattoo with the image of an ancient warrior looks best on the back, with the picture turns out large enough, you can trace all the details and elements. Also tattoo gladiator can be placed on a leg, arm, shoulder or stomach. In general, the choice of body area for the tattoo depends on the selected sketch, pain sensations and personal preferences of the future owner of the natal image.
Choice of style
The choice of the picture itself and the technique in which it can be done leaves many people stumped. First, let's figure out if you have any other tattoos. If not, then you can choose any sketch and style you like.
If there are other tattoos near the chosen area of application, you should think about how to make them all look harmonious together.
The back is the most convenient option. Here you can create entire paintings, which include a complex background, many details. For example, the gladiator is often depicted against the background of the Colosseum, or directly in the arena. It is also not uncommon to see tattoos on the back depicting a battle against wild animals, or two or more opponents.
Less common variants are . Usually it is , or . The first option is good because it allows you to draw a large picture, and the second will be more visible if you walk in shorts in the summer.
Tattoo gladiator Spartacus and other designs
Having stopped on a tattoo with the image of a gladiator, it remains to choose the color scheme, style direction and pick up a sketch. Experienced masters on creation of tattoo recommend using the style of realism, applying the image on the back, chest or shoulder. Such a tattoo will be a symbol of strength and heroism, will become a decoration of the body and will impress with its realism.
When choosing a sketch, most give preference to famous characters or characters of famous films made on the subject. For example, such characters as Maximus, Achilles and Spartacus are in demand. Feature tattoo will depend on the ammunition and weapons, which are equipped with a gladiator.
There are also tattoo designs in which men do not choose the full appearance of the gladiator, but depict only some individual elements, such as a helmet or armor. In this case, the tattoos change their meaning and may symbolize the following:
- Masculinity.
- Belonging to the martial arts or shows the ability to handle weapons.
- Protection from trouble.
- The ability to stand to the death for their ideals.
Photo
A small photo review of gladiator tattoos in different styles and directions, from realistic with quality detail elaboration to classic in black and white but no less stunning.
Spartacus with a sword on the background of Spartacus Stadium
