Gemellus advanced through a short corridor into an open training area.
The large two-storey building was built with a hollow square in the centre, providing a whole world within four walls. It was full of gladiators training and sparring with each other.
Romulus watched, fascinated. The two nearest made up the classic pairing of
Forum Boarium, Rome, 56 BC
'Bren-nus! Bren-nus!'
The chanting was deafening.
The Gaul stood over his vanquished opponent, listening to the familiar noise. Over five years, the blond-haired warrior had become one of the mightiest gladiators Rome had ever seen. And the crowd loved him.
Warm afternoon sun lit up the entire circle of sand contained within temporary wooden stands. That morning the grains had been a rich golden colour, raked by slaves into uniform smoothness. But after more than an hour of savage combat, the surface had been kicked into disarray. Bloodstains spread around dead men lying scattered all over the arena. The air was filled with moans and cries of the injured.
It was late spring and the citizens watching were happy. The set piece between two teams had been gripping and all the participants were now dead or maimed – except the prize fighter who had led each side.
The organisers of such fights were
editor
The clash between Narcissus and Brennus had been something the public – even the
Today the sponsor wanted real quality and had personally asked for the Gaul. The
murmillo had earned a similar reputation to Brennus.