Harry Sidebottom on Gladiators, Rome, and Those Who Are About To Die

Rock, Paper, Swords! - the Historical Action and Adventure Podcast

What did it really mean to face death in the Roman arena? 🏛️

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill talk with historian and bestselling author Dr Harry Sidebottom about his new nonfiction book, Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind.

Drawing on archaeology, ancient texts, and years of research, Harry reveals the brutal truth behind the Roman obsession with violence — and what gladiatorial combat tells us about their society, politics, and psyche.

🔥 In this episode:
⚔️ Who the gladiators really were — and what drove them to fight.
🏛️ How Rome’s arenas shaped identity, power, and the idea of civilisation.
📖 The difference between myth and reality in our understanding of gladiators.
🗡️ What modern audiences can learn from Rome’s fascination with death and spectacle.

If you’re fascinated by ancient Rome, gladiators, or the mindset of empire, this episode is essential listening.

📚 Get the book Those Who Are About To Die here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781529154009
🔗 All podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords