Travel Incentive Winners to Battle the Competition—The Ancient Roman Way

As we continue to explore Roma Like You’ve Never Seen Before, it would be remiss of us not to delve into a legendary side of Rome that 2023–2024 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive grand prize winners will have the opportunity to experience: gladiator school.

We are all familiar with the infamous, brutal gladiatorial games that were center stage at the Colosseum. But the history behind the ancient Roman armed combatants who entertained thousands of spectators can be traced back to Ludus Magnus.

The ruins of Ludus Magnus, the largest gladiatorial school in Rome, are largely hidden under modern streets. Built in the 1st century A.D. under the reign of Emperor Domitian, Ludus Magnus was Rome’s most prestigious gladiator training school. Situated directly east of the Colosseum, the training school was an arena where gladiators from across the Roman Empire would live, eat, and practice while undergoing training in preparation for fighting at the gladiatorial games held at the Colosseum.

Originally, gladiators were prisoners and slaves who were brought to the arena in chains. As time went on, successful gladiators began to amass prestige, and free men who were lured by the thrill of battle and the roar of crowds voluntarily signed contracts with gladiator schools in hopes of winning glory and prize money. Regardless of social status, all trainees had to adhere to the rules, and each trainee would learn how to fight in heavy armor while also being educated on how to entertain the crowd.

Once gladiators had gone through training, those who had successful battles under their belts were placed in classes based on their record, skill level, and experience. Most gladiators specialized in a particular set of weaponry and fighting style. The “thraeces” and “murmillones” were the most popular, fighting with a sword and shield. There were also the “essedarii,” who battled from chariots; the “equites,” who entered the arena on horseback; and the “dimachaerus,” who wielded two swords at once. Out of all gladiator classes, the most unusual was the “retiarius,” armed with only a net and a trident. These gladiators would try to ensnare their opponents with their net before moving in for the kill, and if they failed, they were left almost completely defenseless.

Grand prize winners of the 2023–2024 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive obviously won’t be dueling in chariots or fighting on horseback. But those who want to find out what it takes to be a gladiator will step back into a time warp and see what they’re made of against their peers in ancient Roman fashion. During a hands-on lesson with expert instructors, participants will learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a gladiator tunic and belt. The session will end with a gladiator tournament with the opportunity to show who’s the best of the best.

This is just one of the unique, interactive activities we have planned to learn about ancient Roman history, sports, and culture. Don’t miss out on this year’s trip—hit your sales targets and join us in Italy this fall.

Access the eligibility requirements to learn what it takes to qualify.

Legal Notice: In the event any dispute should arise concerning any aspect of the 2023–2024 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive, such dispute shall be resolved by The Doctors Company. The decision as to any dispute concerning the Agent/Broker Travel Incentive shall rest in the sole discretion of The Doctors Company, and such decision shall be full, final, and not subject to any further review. Wholesale brokers of The Doctors Company and TDC Specialty Underwriters are not eligible to participate in the Agent/Broker Travel Incentive.