Raised to the same level as art. The works of real masters amaze with their realism, beauty and accuracy. Abstract flourishes fade into the background, giving way to much more complex plots. For example, a very popular and widespread tattoo theme is the gladiator. Strength, courage, the desire for freedom - this is the meaning, as a rule, put into this plot. Let's take a closer look at the features of the tattoo.

History as a theme for tattoos

Once upon a time, gladiators fought in the arena to the delight of an excited crowd. Deprived of rights and personal freedom, these fighters fought tooth and nail, striving for the goal - either to win or to die with dignity. Gladiator tattoos, as a rule, are chosen by those who are trying to emphasize the desire for victory, for the sake of which they do not regret even life itself.

Such a tattoo is a tribute to history. It seems to take you back to the era of heroic battles, courage and bravery. From the works of tattoo artists, the unknown heroes of Ancient Rome and Greece most often look at us.

A new fashion trend is the depiction of characters from famous Hollywood films made about the heroes of ancient arenas. You can often find a “gladiator” tattoo in the image of Maximus or Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles from Troy.

Styles

Most often you can see a similar tattoo in a realistic style. Sometimes this plot is used by masters working in the styles of trash polka, tribal, oriental, horror and Chicano. The idea also penetrates into other, less common areas.

Portrait tattoo

You can often see an image of a fighter. Sparkling armor, weapons, and streaks of blood add realism and create an ambiance. The pose in which the gladiator is depicted is also important. It can express both desire and impulse, and fatigue, disappointment, loss of hope.

Arena

An equally popular subject for a tattoo is a gladiator during a fight. Sometimes it can be a couple of fighters. And in some cases, you can see an angry lion fighting a man. Historically, this is justified, because predatory animals were often pitted against gladiators.

Armor

Armor in the style of ancient Hellas can also be included in this category of tattoos. It is rare when the entire body is clad in painted armor. Most often these are fragments: a shoulder pad, a piece of chain mail, a chest armor.

Localization on the body

To place a realistic tattoo depicting the face and figure of a gladiator, it is better to choose places on the body that are not subject to deformation. Most often you can see gladiator tattoos on the chest, forearms, shoulders, hips, back and lower back. The large area allows you to competently organize the composition of the drawing and carefully work out the details.

The target audience

In our century, gender boundaries are becoming thinner, but the gladiator tattoo has remained traditionally masculine. The plot is too aggressive for a woman. Among the fair sex there are also fans of this theme, but they gravitate more towards female images. The images of gladiator ladies are not so bright and more related to the fantasy style. Many of them resemble Amazons.

On the other side

The interpretation of such tattoos in the criminal world is peculiar. Among the huge number of Zonov tattoos, the strictest gradation is observed, each image has its own meaning. Seasoned authorities, leaders with a harsh fate often adorn themselves as stuffed gladiators. An invariable attribute of such tattoos is dripping blood.

Meaning

What does a gladiator tattoo mean in everyday life? As a rule, this is a desire for freedom, faith in victory, and a willingness to stand up for oneself and family. And although in some cases such a tattoo may directly indicate the aggressive nature of the owner, most who choose this plot rather show their commitment to the history of the ancient world and passion for the culture of martial arts.

The image of a gladiator as a tattoo on a male body emphasizes the confidence, power and strength of character of the owner. The image of an ancient warrior symbolizes courage that borders on despair.

Gladiator in shoulder combat

A little history

Gladiator tattoos, like no other, have a close connection with the history of Ancient Rome.

The ancient times, when spectators froze on the stone steps of the Colosseum in anticipation of the mortal battles of fearless warriors, will forever remain objects of admiration and glorification. The Colosseum gathered all the inhabitants of the powerful Roman Empire. In specially equipped fields, fearless slaves - gladiators - lost their lives and shed blood. As a reward for victory, they received freedom and the opportunity to become the best in this life.

According to historical sources, the warriors did not have a standard set of armor and other ammunition. The will of the emperor was decisive and the lives of the gladiator slaves largely depended on him.

Gladiator tattoo on a guy's shoulder

Gladiator tattoo style

Remember, to perform a tattoo with the image of a gladiator, as well as for other motifs, you should choose a good tattoo parlor and an experienced artist, respectively.

The sketch of the future tattoo with the image of a gladiator is done in the style of realism. Most often, a body pattern is applied to the shoulder, back or chest. Such a sketch returns to the old days - the era of fearless battles, heroism and power. Body paintings most often depict the images of famous gladiators of Rome and remote provinces of the empire. In addition, the main literary characters of poems and novels are popular.

Full body gladiator tattoo

Gladiator tattoos have become quite popular, the sketches of which completely recreate the characters of famous films. Most often the main characters of the films "Gladiator" - Maximus, and also "Troy" - Achilles appear on the male body. Thus, the drawings depict Hollywood actors - Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt.

Often, a tattoo with the image of a gladiator is applied to the area of ​​the shoulder blade, back, shoulder or chest. Since these areas of the body are large enough to apply drawings. The body design with the image of a gladiator looks impressive and original both in black and white and in color. To make the tattoo unique, you can stylize it.

Another option for a gladiator tattoo

Plate and armor of gladiators as an element of tattoo

Sometimes men choose not the appearance of a gladiator as a tattoo, but some elements, for example, armor or a helmet. Body designs as armor are mainly characteristic of courageous and stern people who are involved in martial arts or have the ability to use weapons.

For example, armor on the shoulder indicates protection from trouble. A man with a tattooed image of a weapon, armor, or helmet is determined and ready to fight to the death for his ideals.

If we consider the symbolism and meaning of armor as a body design more deeply, we can determine that such a tattoo serves as protection from earthly vices.

Arena with gladiator tattoo on shoulder

Before applying the sketch, look through the gladiator tattoos photos in the catalog of tattoo parlors.

Such a tattoo will decorate the body and bring confidence and a sense of security in life.

When choosing a tattoo from the tattoo parlor's portfolio, I chose the image of a gladiator. It seemed that such an image would give self-confidence and determination. The tattoo turned out colorful and impressive. Now, when I walk down the street, no one passes by without paying attention. Indeed, the symbolism of tattoos has enormous power. Tested for yourself!

Ivan, Moscow

Video: process of applying a gladiator tattoo

Gladiator tattoo designs

Before getting a tattoo of a courageous gladiator, be sure to find out its meaning. The word “gladiator” itself comes from the Latin “gladius”, which translates as. In those distant times, it was customary to call involuntary people, slaves, or soldiers captured during battles, as well as criminals, as gladiators. All of them were previously taught how to properly use a sword. Once the gladiators gained the necessary skills, they were pitted against each other. Such massacres ended in the death of one of them. Bloody battles in ancient Rome were held in arenas for seven hundred years.

At first, the Romans preferred to organize such battles on holidays. They wanted to satisfy the cruel god of war Mars in this way. Over time, such battles began to be held for entertainment without any particular reason. The Romans borrowed sacrifices in the form of gladiator fights from the Egyptians, Etruscans and Greeks. This can easily be explained by the fact that throughout the Empire there lived different peoples who were either conquered or joined of their own free will.

Initially, prisoners of war, as well as all those who were sentenced to death, became gladiators. There was a law according to which the fighter who defeated all his opponents not only won a significant amount of money. He had the right to completely ransom his own life. Sometimes people, in pursuit of big money, voluntarily became gladiators.

It was customary to divide all slaves into types. And it depended on what kind of weapon he would have, whether he would have to fight on horseback or on foot, with animals, people, or simply show numbers with animals.

Even women could take part in such battles. Later it was possible for dwarfs to fight as well.

Gladiator battles were officially banned in 404, when Emperor Honorius came to power. In those days there was already a Christian religion and the audience was outraged by everything that happened in the arena. After the decree was introduced, gladiatorial fights continued, but all participants remained alive. In those days, a special school appeared in which they taught how to fight and trained them to fight for money. After the collapse of the Empire, gladiatorial battles were no longer held.

What does the symbol mean today?

When choosing a body pattern, a man always wants to look courageous and strong. The best masculine qualities can be emphasized by a tattoo depicting a Roman slave – a gladiator. However, sometimes representatives of the fair sex also choose this design. We invite you to find out what the meaning of a gladiator tattoo is for men and women.

The meaning of a gladiator tattoo for men

It’s safe to say that a gladiator tattoo is purely masculine. It will look especially beautiful on an athletic male body. But even if a man cannot boast of such a fit figure, he has the right to get a gladiator tattoo if he has the character qualities inherent in a Roman slave. Gladiator tattoo means:

• fearlessness, courage
• aggression
• desire to always be free
• loyalty

A gladiator tattoo is unlikely to be the best option for an insecure, timid man. It is suitable for brave and determined young people. Having made such a body drawing, a man can openly declare that he is not afraid of life’s difficulties and is ready to fight anyone who challenges him.

Sometimes such a tattoo will personify aggression. That is why you should not rush to choose a body pattern if you have a soft character.

Roman slaves always dreamed of freedom. This means that tattoos with Roman gladiators will tell about you as a freedom-loving person.

The meaning of gladiator tattoos for women

Sometimes women also choose a tattoo with the image of a gladiator. You should not condemn or criticize a representative of the fair sex with such a body design. For women, a tattoo in the form of a Roman slave will mean:

• love of freedom
• courage
• hopelessness
• loyalty

You shouldn't be surprised to see a girl or woman with a gladiator tattoo. She may choose such a body design because of its beauty, because often such tattoos look very impressive.

However, most often a woman chooses such body designs to demonstrate her strong and freedom-loving character.

Each gladiator understood that he was a slave and had only one chance to survive - to win and become stronger each time. By getting such a tattoo, sometimes a woman wants to show her hopelessness and desire to become stronger, despite the trials of fate.

How to choose an image for a tattoo?

Before going to a tattoo studio, it is important to decide on a design. Today there are many options for gladiator tattoos. So this could be a tattoo of the gladiator Spartacus, as well as with armor and a helmet. An equally interesting version of the body design is the Gladiator's Colosseum.

Since tattoos are usually done in a realistic style, try to find a good artist. Everything will be important here: posture, facial expressions, weapons, gestures.

If you wish, you can get a tattoo with the face of a Roman slave or in full body. As an option, you can get a story tattoo. The body pattern can be either color or black and white.

The meaning of gladiator tattoos for men is quite obvious, and is known to every young man who has once watched the film of the same name with Russell Crowe. The word itself comes from the Latin “gladius”, which translates as “sword”. In those distant times, it was customary to call involuntary people, slaves, or warriors and criminals captured during battles as gladiators. All of them were previously taught how to properly use a sword. Once the gladiators gained the necessary skills, they were pitted against each other. Such massacres ended in the death of one of them. Bloody battles in ancient Rome were held in arenas for seven hundred years.

At first, the Romans preferred to organize such battles on holidays. They wanted to satisfy the cruel god of war Mars in this way. Over time, such battles began to be held for entertainment without any particular reason. The Romans borrowed sacrifices in the form of gladiator fights from the Egyptians, Etruscans and Greeks. This can easily be explained by the fact that throughout the Empire there lived different peoples who were either conquered or joined of their own free will.

Initially, prisoners of war, as well as all those who were sentenced to death, became gladiators. There was a law according to which the fighter who defeated all his opponents not only won a significant amount of money. He had the right to completely ransom his own life. Sometimes people, in pursuit of big money, voluntarily became gladiators.

It was customary to divide all slaves into types. And it depended on what kind of weapon he would have, whether he would have to fight on horseback or on foot, with animals, people, or simply show numbers with animals.

Even women could take part in such battles. Later it was possible for dwarfs to fight as well.

Gladiator battles were officially banned in 404, when Emperor Honorius came to power. In those days there was already a Christian religion and the audience was outraged by everything that happened in the arena. After the decree was introduced, gladiatorial fights continued, but all participants remained alive. In those days, a special school appeared in which they taught how to fight and trained them to fight for money. After the collapse of the Empire, gladiatorial battles were no longer held.

What does a gladiator tattoo mean today?

When choosing a body pattern, a man always wants to look courageous and strong. The best masculine qualities can be emphasized by a tattoo depicting a Roman slave – a gladiator. However, sometimes representatives of the fair sex also choose this design. We invite you to find out what the meaning of a gladiator tattoo is for men and women.

Meaning for men

It’s safe to say that a gladiator tattoo is purely masculine. It will look especially beautiful on an athletic male body. But even if a man cannot boast of such a fit figure, he has the right to get a gladiator tattoo if he has the character qualities inherent in a Roman slave. The main meanings of gladiator tattoos for men:

• fearlessness, courage
• aggression
• desire to always be free
• loyalty

A gladiator tattoo is unlikely to be the best option for an insecure, timid man. It is suitable for brave and determined young people. Having made such a body drawing, a man can openly declare that he is not afraid of life’s difficulties and is ready to fight anyone who challenges him.

Sometimes such a tattoo will personify aggression. That is why you should not rush to choose a body pattern if you have a soft character.
Roman slaves always dreamed of freedom. This means that tattoos with Roman gladiators will tell about you as a freedom-loving person.

Meaning for women

Sometimes women also choose a tattoo with the image of a gladiator. You should not condemn or criticize a representative of the fair sex with such a body design. For women, a tattoo in the form of a Roman slave will mean:

• love of freedom
• courage
• hopelessness
• loyalty

You shouldn't be surprised to see a girl or woman with a gladiator tattoo. She may choose such a body design because of its beauty, because often such tattoos look very impressive.

However, most often a woman chooses such body designs to demonstrate her strong and freedom-loving character.
Each gladiator understood that he was a slave and had only one chance to survive - to win and become stronger each time. By getting such a tattoo, sometimes a woman wants to show her hopelessness and desire to become stronger, despite the trials of fate.

How to choose an image for a tattoo?

Before going to a tattoo studio, it is important to decide on a design. Today there are many options for gladiator tattoos. This can also happen with armor and a helmet. An equally interesting version of the body design is the Gladiator's Colosseum.

Since tattoos are usually done in a realistic style, try to find a good artist. Everything will be important here: posture, facial expressions, weapons, gestures.
If you wish, you can get a tattoo with the face of a Roman slave or in full body. As an option, you can get a story tattoo. The body pattern can be either color or black and white.

On what part of the body should I get a gladiator tattoo?

A tattoo with the image of a gladiator will look especially impressive along the entire length of the back, on the arm, stomach and leg. Much will depend on the chosen sketch. A subject tattoo of a gladiatorial battle is best done on a larger area - the back or stomach. Helmet and armor tattoos are often done on the arm, leg and shoulder.

You can get Roman gladiator tattoos in the salon. As a sketch, you can use not only fan art from the Internet, but even stills from films, although we recommend not to plagiarize and contact professionals who will draw an individual sketch for you. By the way, just below you will find a link to the largest studio that deals with sketches.

Photo of gladiator tattoo

Spartacus

On the hand

On the shoulder

On the foot

Gladiator tattoo designs