Ep 21. Gladiators Back from the Dead

National Geographic Documentaries season 2011 episode 21, "Gladiators Back from the Dead", takes viewers on a journey back in time to ancient Rome, where gladiator games were one of the most popular forms of entertainment. However, the gladiators themselves have often been relegated to the status of mere entertainment, with little attention paid to their lives as human beings.

Through a combination of historical accounts, forensic science, and modern technology, this episode sheds new light on the lives and deaths of gladiators. Viewers will learn about the training and preparation that went into becoming a gladiator, and the physical and mental toll that such a life took. They will also discover how modern forensic techniques have allowed us to learn more about the gladiators' diets, injuries, and even causes of death.

In addition to exploring the lives of individual gladiators, "Gladiators Back from the Dead" also examines the broader cultural and political context in which gladiatorial games took place. Viewers will learn about the role of gladiator games in ancient Roman society, and how they were used by emperors to maintain control over the population. They will also discover how the games evolved over time, from relatively small-scale contests in gladiatorial schools to massive spectacles that could involve thousands of participants.

One of the most striking aspects of this episode is the way in which modern science has allowed us to learn more about the gladiators themselves. Using techniques like isotopic analysis and bone density scanning, researchers have been able to learn about the diets, living conditions, and physical health of gladiators from different regions and time periods. They have also been able to piece together a picture of the various injuries and ailments that plagued these fighters, and to explore the question of just how deadly the games really were.

Despite the particular focus on gladiators, "Gladiators Back from the Dead" also has broader implications for our understanding of ancient cultures and the ways in which they are studied and remembered today. By using a multidisciplinary approach that draws on history and archaeology as well as the latest scientific methods, this episode challenges viewers to think critically about the stories we tell about the past, and about the importance of preserving and interpreting ancient artifacts and remains.

Overall, "Gladiators Back from the Dead" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode that offers a fresh perspective on one of ancient Rome's most enduring and iconic traditions. Whether you're a history buff, a science lover, or simply someone who enjoys learning new things, this episode is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and contradictions of human history.