By Olivia B. Waxman November 22, 2024 12:57 PM EST W hen we think of ancient Rome , gladiator fights are often top of mind. And yet, very little is known about these Colosseum battles, which is what arguably makes them great fodder for imaginative screenwriters. Case in point: Gladiator II —the sequel to 2000’s blockbuster, five-time Academy Award -winner Gladiator —out in theaters today (Nov. 22). There are examples of gladiators in art, including mosaics, but the only written description of