Why did the roman gladiators never wear the same....?

Question

Why did the roman gladiators never wear the same armour/weapons when they played?

Answer 1

Each battle displayed to Romans the triumphs won by its legions, and proved again the might and superiority of Rome.

Gladiatorial battles displayed Rome's enemies, and gladiators used the weapons and armor of several different peoples for each of which a conventional set existed. What could not be used were weapons or armor of the Roman legions.

Answer 2

There were different types of gladiators - those with the swords and those with nets, for example. They used to pit a net man against a sword man - not the same type of gladiator against each other

Answer 3

I assume you mean that gladiators wore a variety of armor and weapons. It added to the show to have those differences- each had its own advantages and disadvantages which the other gladiator had to adapt to.

Answer 4

More than likely they used new weapons and armor every time because at the time, softer metals like iron and bronze were used, and they would get nicked up and damaged. You dont want to go into battle with damaged armor or a dull sword.

Answer 5

Because it wasn't standardized in that time period. Everything was made individually and usually by different smiths. Plus the difference in the wear and/or armour usually indicated where they came from and who their allegiance was to, as well as the region that they came from.

Answer 6

The above answerers have good points. I would add that this was considered entertainment. The players were supposed to change costumes to make the spectacle more interesting for the crowds.

Answer 7

I wouldn't call it playing.