Gladiator tattoo: features, meaning. Gladiator Tattoo Meaning Meaning for Men
On the Internet you can easily find the best gladiator tattoos created by artists from around the world. Some photos of gladiator tattoos look very realistic, others are made using techniques that do not require high detail.
Each person has their own meaning of a gladiator tattoo. These people are remembered for their fearlessness, excellent physical fitness, and ability to withstand unprecedented loads.
They had to regularly fight in the arenas of ancient circuses, such as the Colosseum, just to amuse the masters. The life of the defeated man depended on the will of the spectators. Thumbs up or thumbs down. Sometimes the public, or the emperor personally, could spare a good fighter defeated in a difficult battle, so that in the future he would prove himself again.
Note! There is also special symbolism. For example, a tattoo of the gladiator Spartacus usually signifies a person’s desire to gain freedom.
Let us remember that most of the fighters who fought in the arenas were slaves. At the same time, they could earn freedom through their victories and become citizens like other people.
Spartacus decided to raise a slave uprising. Overall, he did well. But the empire suppressed the rebellion by executing the instigators. Did Spartak gain freedom in the sense that he himself meant? No, I didn’t find it. Moreover, he died, like many of his comrades. For what? In order for films to be made about him, theatrical productions were created, and several football clubs were named in the CIS. He didn't beat the system. He didn’t show that ordinary people could cope with it. Rather, he demonstrated that it was useless. The image is comparable to Razin or Pugachev.
At the same time, for many people this man is a hero. A sort of Neo of his time, who rebelled against the “matrix” led by the Roman nobility, or Conan the Barbarian, who went from a simple Cimmerian slave to a king.
Sometimes you come across Zonov's gladiator tattoos. They also have references to the freedom struggle. But if the Roman legionnaires became prisoners not through their own fault, but as a result of the expansion of a huge empire, then the prisoners are prisoners of their own mistakes.
Prison gladiator tattoo with ax and shield
Often in prison, such a sign meant that this was an experienced prisoner with a difficult life behind him. If the weapon is bloody, this could symbolize not only real blood, but also a long sentence.
Note! Men often try to show themselves as fighters, strong and courageous warriors who challenge death. Therefore, such tattoos are not uncommon for people involved in martial arts, serving in the army, special forces, or who are mercenaries.
Sketch options
Numerous gladiator tattoo designs differ not only in the variety of styles, but also in how exactly the fighter is equipped and what weapon he uses. For example, it could be a gladiator with a chain, one or two short swords, a spear, a mace, an ancient analogue of the “morgenstern” - a handle with heavy balls on ropes or chains.
Craftsmen often draw gladiator armor with high detail. If you wish, you can even draw a fighter with the customer’s face. As they say, every whim is for your money.
Also, gladiator armor is often printed in one color. Some people order only shoulder pads, others like the chest part of the armor. Miniatures depicting equipment are also popular - shield, sword, spear, gladiator helmet.
Sometimes an image can have a deeper meaning. For example, a picture depicting a gladiator and an angel is filled with spirituality. After all, the struggle can be not only in the arena, but also for some values, ideals, and in some cases - for the souls of people.
Note! Sometimes the man himself in gladiator uniform is depicted with wings and an angelic fiery sword. Perhaps this is a reference to the Archangel Michael - the commander of the heavenly army, or the angel who guards the gates of heaven.
After the release of the song by the Aria group called “Colosseum,” this topic became very popular in Russia and the CIS countries. What kind of sketches were ordered from the masters? Right down to the warrior in a helmet with the face of the ex-vocalist of this band, Valery Kipelov.
Style selection
The choice of the picture itself and the technique in which it can be made confuses many people. First, let's figure out if you have other tattoos. If not, then you can choose any design and style you like.
If there are other tattoos near the selected application area, you should think about how to make them all look harmonious together.
The back is the most convenient option. Here you can create entire paintings, including a complex background and many details. For example, a gladiator is often depicted against the backdrop of the Colosseum, or right in the arena. It is also common to find tattoos on the back depicting a battle against wild animals, or two or more opponents.
Options are less common. Usually this is , or . The first option is good because it allows you to draw a large picture, and the second will be more noticeable if you wear shorts in the summer.
Who is a gladiator tattoo suitable for?
If you are involved in any strength sports, various martial arts, boxing, or are a representative of law enforcement agencies, a gladiator tattoo will look not only beautiful, but also appropriate. You yourself attach a special meaning, or use some kind of motto that is significant for your profession, hobby, or for you personally.
To choose which design option suits you, look on the Internet for new photos of modern tattoos on this topic. Perhaps you will find something suitable.
Is it painful to get a tattoo like this? If it is large, then pain cannot be avoided. After all, it will require many hours of work. It hurts even more if the image is applied to the skin close to the bone. For example, getting a tattoo on the wrist is less painful than on the other side. However, in modern salons they have long mastered local anesthesia. There are special gels containing an anesthetic drug. They greatly simplify the procedure.
Photo
A small photo review of gladiator tattoos in different styles and directions, from realistic ones with high-quality details to classic ones in black and white but no less stunning.
Spartak with a sword against the backdrop of the Spartak stadium
Video material
Tattoos depicting a gladiator - a slave fighting in the amphitheater arena for his life and freedom - have confidently taken their rightful place in the world of tattoos and found many fans. You can often see a similar tattoo, symbolizing those difficult times and deadly battles, on young people. Gladiator tattoos are also found on women, but this is rather an exception.
Gladiator tattoo designs are usually done in the style of realism, so you will need to look for a good artist. This design is usually applied to the shoulder, chest or back.
Such a tattoo pays tribute to history and takes you back to the era of valiant battles, courage and heroism. Most often, tattoos depict famous gladiators of Rome and the provinces of the Roman Empire, heroes of Greece and Homer’s poem “Iliad”.
A new fashion trend has become the depiction of characters from popular Hollywood films, telling viewers about the heroes of the arena, such as, for example, Maximus, played by Russell Crowe in the film “Gladiator”, or Achilles, embodied by Brad Pitt in “Troy”.
The meaning of a gladiator tattoo is fearlessness and courage, loyalty and steadfastness. Each gladiator fought to the last, striving either to die with dignity or to win freedom. Therefore, one of the most important interpretations of such a tattoo is the desire to achieve freedom. In the modern understanding, this can be freedom of thoughts and feelings. Occasionally, a gladiator tattoo represents aggression.
The gladiator's facial expression, his facial expressions, and the general design of the tattoo have a certain meaning. It matters greatly what pose the hero is depicted in. Depending on the chosen design, a tattoo can express either aspiration and hope, or disappointment and hatred.
It must be remembered that the gladiator tattoo is common among representatives of the criminal world and also belongs to the category of prison tattoos. It symbolizes the “seasoned wolf”. Blood dripping from a gladiator's sword indicates a “fighter” with considerable experience.
A gladiator tattoo is most often placed on the shoulder, shoulder blade, back or chest. It looks equally impressive in both color and black and white. The image of a gladiator, depending on your wishes, can be made either very realistic or in a stylized form.
If you want to express your strength and heroism, the indestructible spirit of freedom, a gladiator tattoo is perfect.
Gladiator tattoo video
Tattoos with warriors, bladed weapons, in particular images of gladiators, have been very popular lately; a significant role in popularization was played by the film of the same name with Russell Crowe, who, by the way, can also be found on people’s bodies in the form of tattoos. In order to understand the main meaning of the gladiator tattoo, it is necessary to understand what kind of people they were and how they lived.
The main meaning of a gladiator tattoo
Mostly, unwitting people became gladiators, who were given armor and weapons, usually a sword, who had to fight for their freedom, or die with dignity in battle. All this was done for the sake of entertainment, the crowd also had favorites, whom they rooted for and bet on, due to this the gladiators could earn money, and some even became rich. Therefore, the main meaning of a gladiator tattoo is the ability to independently achieve a set goal, the desire for freedom and the desire to stop at nothing.
Tattoos with a gladiator are often done in the style of realism, usually a head in a helmet with the smallest details drawn on the damage on it; such a tattoo can mean that its owner is a strong person who has experienced more than one shock in life and does not want to give up.
Should girls get a gladiator tattoo?
Why not? Yes, on the one hand, this is not a feminine tattoo at all, and it is done long and painstakingly, but if a girl wants to show that she is strong and independent, then why not? Moreover, many men like the image of armor on girls, again, probably, the influence of science fiction films.
The meaning of the gladiator tattoo on the zone
The image of a gladiator in prison symbolizes a strong person; if there is a bladed weapon on the tattoo, for example, a sword covered in blood, this means a murderer. A pronounced emphasis on armor signifies an “impenetrable” person, and a grin on a gladiator’s face can mean aggression.
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 fought 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 dwarves 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 design 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 fought 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 dwarves 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 design 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.