In ancient Rome, gladiatorial combat was a popular form of entertainment that combined sport with spectacle. Gladiators, who were trained fighters, would battle each other in arenas known as amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum. Gladiatorial games were brutal and bloody affairs, with combatants using swords, spears, and shields to defeat their opponents. The crowds would cheer for their favorite gladiators, watching in awe as the fighters displayed their skill and bravery in the arena. In addition to gladiatorial combat, the Romans also enjoyed sports such as chariot racing, wild beast hunts, and mock naval battles.