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To be a gladiator in ancient Rome was arguably one of the most undesirable occupations imaginable. The average life expectancy of these fighters hovered around 27 years, a grim statistic considering the violent nature of their profession. Gladiators lived in confinement, spending most of their time in cells at a ludus, or gladiatorial school. Depending on individual circumstances, gladiators could be slaves captured in war, criminals, or individuals seeking to pay off debts.