Jamie Christian-Johal, known as Giant on BBC's Gladiators, is reverting to his birth surname Bigg following his divorce and ADHD diagnosis, aiming to reclaim his identity and be more authentic in his personal and professional life.
In ancient Rome, gladiators were sometimes seen as symbols of tyranny, representing the power and control exerted by the ruling class over the populace. This perspective highlights the complex social and political dynamics of Roman society, where public spectacles were used to reinforce authority and distract from political issues.
The article explores the historical accuracy of the portrayal of gladiators in the upcoming film 'Gladiator II,' particularly focusing on the fitness regimen of actor Paul Mescal. While Mescal's physique is designed for aesthetic appeal in the movie, real gladiators prioritized functionality over appearance. Historical consultant Alexander Mariotti explains that gladiators followed a training system called the Tetrad and had varied diets, contrary to the myth of them being solely 'barley eaters.' The piece highlights the difference between Hollywood's depiction and historical reality.
Newly discovered charcoal drawings in Pompeii suggest that children witnessed gladiator battles in the amphitheatre, exposing them to real violence. These findings, studied by experts from the University of Naples Federico II, indicate that the drawings were based on direct observation. The excavation also uncovered two victims of the 79AD volcanic disaster and a mythological scene featuring a child.
Salman Rushdie reveals the extent of his wounds from a knife attack, Kirsten Dunst speaks out about Hollywood's gender pay gap, the Gladiators finalists prepare for their ultimate challenge, and Meghan Markle criticizes social media bullying while Cate Blanchett praises her co-star. Additionally, the entertainment world mourns the loss of fashion icon Iris Apfel and The Office actor Ewen MacIntosh.