Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Recommended by 93% of travelers

Rome, Italy

High interest

Booked 5+ times today.

2 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.7

· Meghan_M ·

Jul 2026

Our Roman trainer was Evan/Ivan…he was great!! He had all engaged; adults and kids. His English was great and did a fantastic job sharing some Roman gladiator history and innovations. The training was fun for all and learning the techniques was fun! He had the moms be the queens during the “battle” and the kids loved performing for us. Do this with your kids and have a blast

· Andrea_P ·

Jul 2026

Lots of fun and lots of young boys with their families!! My son loved it .... and so did my husband. I liked that I could watch! I would bring bug spray - we got a lot of bites! Get ready to sweat and move .... being a gladiator isn't easy!!

Explore our promoted experiences

Rome, Italy

5.0

(178)

Ancient Mosaic Workshop in Rome

from US$105

Rome, Italy

4.9

(25)

3 Hours Mosaic Workshop in Trastevere

from US$165

Rome, Italy

5.0

(2)

Rome Artisan Walking Tour

from US$236

Per group

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Discover what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator in Rome. During a hands-on lesson, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt (available for rent). Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history and culture.

Train to become an ancient gladiator near the Colosseum in Rome
Includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum
Choice of lesson times throughout the day to suit your schedule
Enjoy more personal attention with a small-group class

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Securing a spot at this popular kid-friendly activity in advance means no disappointed young gladiators.

What's Included

2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day
Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome
Drink
Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Food and beverages, unless specified

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy
Departure Point: Lessons commence at the Gladiator School of Rome, located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from The Colosseum Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179, Rome, Italy Directions: Either take Metro (line B) and get off at OSTIENSE and take the bus number 118 OR take Metro (line A), get off at stop SAN GIOVANNI and then take bus number 218. However in the spirit of easy access - we suggest taking a taxi (approx. 10-15 euros) to access the school Dates: Daily Opening hours 9:30am - 1:30pm 2:00pm - 6:00pm Return point: Concludes at the Gladiator School of Rome

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your gladiator lesson takes place at the Gladiator School of Rome, located near the Colosseum on the historic Appian Way in Rome. Specializing in the reenactment of ancient Roman life and gladiator fighting, your instructors are members of the Historic Group of Rome. Begin your class by donning your costume — a traditional belt, tunic, leather gloves, and a training sword known as a rudis.

Learn the basic skills of gladiator sword fighting before summoning your imagination and channeling your inner ancient Roman fighter as you fight off ferocious lions and battle other sword-wielding gladiators. If you wish, you can participate in an optional tournament, complete with a prize for the victor. Either way, all participants receive a certificate of accomplishment at the end of the lesson.

Friends and family are allowed to watch your class from the viewing platform. Admission to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum is also included so you can check out gladiator weapons and other artifacts.

Gladiator School of Rome

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Minimum age is 6 years
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4,7

based on 1 564 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most recent

Amazing time!

William_H, Aug 2026

Amazing experience for both adults and children. Great learning and even better action! Fun for the whole family.

A must-do for kids visiting Rome!

Kaley_S, Aug 2026

This was such an excellent activity and experience for our 6 and 7 year old boys! From the moment you arrive on site, you are totally immersed in the atmosphere of a gladiator academy, from start to finish. The tour included costumes, a brief interactive educational chat and a hands-on display of a range of gladiator armor. The kids loved learning about the various weapons and trying on the helmets. From there, we spent nearly an hour in formal gladiator training - doing physical warm ups, learning sward maneuvers and even battling the well-training gladiator instructor. My kids also loved archery training + competition. Lastly, we were all guideded into a mock battle arena for the final fight. It was perfectly dramatized, fast-faced and even concluded with a graduation ceremony of sorts. The whole experience left my boys feeling like true gladiators - so memorable and fun!

Great for the kids

gicantens, Aug 2026

Fantastic! Kids had a great time and were able to burn off some energy. Gladiator was phenomenal with the kids.

Great family fun

Noam_L, Jul 2026

This activity is a great break for families from all the museums and looking at history in Rome. It’s both active and educational. Highly recommend for families with kids visiting Rome.

Lots of fun

Meghan_M, Jul 2026

Great unique experience and very entertaining

Thomas_Z, Jul 2026

It was a lot of fun, very entertaining! The host was full of energy and spent the time to train everyone. Even my teen and tween eventually got into it and enjoyed themselves. It is open air and can get hot mid day.

One of our major...

Brittany_W, Jul 2026

One of our major highlights! Anyone with kids in Rome should take them to do this! It was a great experience!

So fun!

Ami_S, Jul 2026

Must do for kids that are tired of looking at art and ruins! The whole family enjoyed the experience. The coaches make it so much fun.

So much fun

Rebecca_R, Jul 2026

We picked the hottest time of the day for this adventure. Because of that choice we got to have a class all to ourselves and it was amazing. Our instructor was awesome; we had 4 teenage girls and dad participate. They had so much fun and we laughed so hard. The girls had fun the dad had fun. I had so much fun watching and cheering them on. They give it 100/10. The museum was awesome we learned so many new things. Definitely worth the time and money.

Experience was awesome. I...

Nathan_L, Jul 2026

Experience was awesome. I wish there was more training or an advanced class but understand they have to design for a range of ages. Still very fun time sparring and learning how to be a gladiator. Would do again.

Great for families!

Laura_C, Jul 2026

This was one of my kids favorite things to do in Rome. It was a great way to break up learning history and being able to immerse yourself in it. My kids ages were 8-16. My younger ones enjoyed every minute from the dressing up to the fighting. My older teens started to really enjoy it when they started the training and fighting. I would absolutely recommend to families.

Amazing event for kids

Claudia_R, Jul 2026

This was great for the kids! Fun experience but take bug spray. The kids had a blast and this was really tailored for them.

Escuela de Gladiadores

Alex_C, Jul 2026

Perfect for the family. The kids had a blast and we did too. The first part was very insightful, good information. The “training” and “battle” was the best part. To be able to “become” gladiators was a cool and a great learning experience.

Great experience!

Andrea_P, Jul 2026

Excellent experience!

Lin_T, Jul 2026

Excellent experience! Both of my boys enjoyed the gladiator experience. Despite the heat, the instructor made it fun. The location is a little further out than we expected, but I gave us a chance to see regions outside of central Rome. Highly recommend recommended if you have kids.

I highly recommend this...

David_M, Jul 2026

I highly recommend this experience. My wide and I were traveling with our 8 year old daughter. She was able to learn about the gladiators and circuses at her level and pace. At the end the children competed against the dads which was really fun.

Our teacher was very...

Richard_F, Jul 2026

Our teacher was very engaging and fun! The kids 9/11/13/15 all loved it! Great mix of education and activity.

So much fun!

Elizabeth_P, Jul 2026

This was fantastic! Our three kids (ages 6-11) participated and they loved this! It was exciting and the teacher was great. And it was a fun way to get them excited about seeing the Colosseum. Would definitely recommend for kids!

Such a fun experience

Kathryn_G, Jul 2026

My kids (12 and 10) loved this. Super interesting and fun too! They had a blast training, practicing and competing in the arena. They loved it and didn’t want to leave. Highly recommend.

Need more than one instructor for 30 kids

Darla_M, Jul 2026

Kids had a great time! One instructor : 30 kids. For what they charge there should be multiple “gladiators” facilitating the exercises and activities. It was chaotic but like I said the kids enjoyed.

Wonderful activity if you’re in Rome with kids!

Andrea_B, Jun 2026

What an incredibly fun and memorable experience! My kids and I absolutely loved learning more about gladiators, how they lived and fought, and then entering the tournament of champions! We spent three days in Rome, and this was my kids, favorite activity 🙂

History Comes to Life—Fun for All Ages!

Tahina_M, Jun 2026

This was such a fun, active, and engaging experience for both kids and adults! It was a fantastic way to bring history to life while getting everyone moving and burning off some energy. I went with my 76-year-old mother-in-law and my two kids (ages 11 and 7), and we all had a great time. My 11-year-old said it was “super fun” and loved that they were taught actual gladiator training techniques. He admitted he was worried it would be geared toward younger kids, but it ended up being one of his favorite activities. He also thought Claudio was an awesome guide! My 7-year-old’s favorite parts were practicing the gladiator moves, completing the obstacle course, and fighting in the arena. My mother-in-law also thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She loved Claudio’s energy and enthusiasm and appreciated learning about Roman history in such an interactive and engaging way. Claudio truly made the experience memorable with his passion, humor, and encouragement. We would absolutely recommend this experience to families, history lovers, or anyone looking for a unique and entertaining activity in Rome!

Fun for the Entire Family at Gladiator School

Mary_M, Jun 2026

We took our adult kids and 7 grandchildren (ages 8-20) EVERYONE had a blast! We learned about the different types of helmets, weapons, shields and then did warm-up exercises - then we went into the "arena" and had one-on-one and then two-on-two combat - our leader was so knowledgeable and engaging with both the kids and adults - it was one of the highlights of our vacation!!!

Gladiator school

Patrick_P, Jun 2026

We had a very good time at the gladiator school. This was a break from the architecture and history that gave the kids something fun to do. The instructor was very good. He kept the smallest kids to the oldest adults engaged. A good time was had by all. The only suggestion is that you might book a cab to ensure you are on time. We had the 9:00 class and the traffic was brutal getting out of downtime.

So fun, even for teens!

Cynthia_N, Jun 2026

This was the best thing we did in Rome. I was worried my 16 year old would feel too old. No way! He had a grin on his face the entire time. Our gladiator trainer/guide was Ivan and he did such a great job of explaining the history and use of gladiator weapons, training, and their lives in ancient Rome. Then we go to the real training and combat. We loved it! I did pack some mosquito repellent wipes based on other reviews and was glad I did as mosquitos love my teen. Overall, a fantastic experience. They called a taxi for us when we left too so travel was very easy.

Gladiator School was...

leah_e, Jun 2026

Gladiator School was great! My son and husband participated while I watched. We really enjoined the entire experience.

Experience was great for...

Amanda_M, Jun 2026

Experience was great for the kids and they had a lot of fun. Guide was very engaging. The location is a bit off the beaten path- recommend a taxi

Great time for entire...

Avinash_L, Jun 2026

Great time for entire family. Would recommend for 5 years and above. Staff was wonderful. Take a taxi to get there and then book one after to get back

Amazing experience

Aubrey_G, Jun 2026

This was one of the highlights in Rome! My 11 year old was so excited about it and they did not disappoint! Even my daughters (13 and 16) ended up participating and loved it! I loved watching my kids and I enjoyed the history and museum at the beginning. I would 100 % recommend if you have kids or love learning about gladiators.

There were mostly...

Rachel_S, Jun 2026

There were mostly children participating. My husband was the only adult there without a small child in tow. However, Mirko did a fabulous job of including him while keeping an eye on ALL the children with wooden swords.