Gladiator leg tattoo. The meaning of a gladiator tattoo. The main meaning of the gladiator tattoo

Before you get a tattoo with the image of a courageous gladiator, be sure to find out about its meaning. The word "gladiator" itself comes from the Latin "gladius", which translates as. In those distant times, it was customary to call gladiators involuntary people, slaves or soldiers taken prisoner during battles, as well as criminals. All of them were previously taught how to properly handle the sword. Once the gladiators acquired the necessary skills, they were pitted against each other. Such battles ended with the death of one of them. Bloody battles in ancient Rome were held in arenas for seven hundred years.

At first, the Romans preferred to organize such fights 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 much reason. The offering of sacrifices in the form of gladiator fights, the Romans borrowed from the Egyptians, Etruscans and Greeks. This is easily explained by the fact that different peoples lived throughout the territory of the Empire, which they either conquered or joined of their own free will.

Initially, prisoners of war became gladiators, as well as all those who were sentenced to death. There was a law according to which the fighter who defeated all rivals not only won a significant amount of money. He had the right to buy his own life altogether. 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 participate in such battles. Later, dwarfs could also fight.

Officially, gladiatorial battles were 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, the gladiator fights continued, but all participants remained alive. In those days, a special school appeared, in which they taught to fight and prepared for fights for money. After the collapse of the Empire, gladiatorial battles were no longer held.

What does the symbol mean today?

When choosing a wearable pattern, a man always wants to look courageous and strong. The best male qualities can be emphasized by a tattoo depicting a Roman slave - a gladiator. However, sometimes representatives of the fair sex also choose such a pattern. We offer you to find out what is the meaning of a gladiator tattoo 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 a sporty male body. But even if a man cannot boast of such a toned figure, he has the right to get a tattoo with a gladiator if he has the qualities of character inherent in a Roman slave. A 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 will suit brave and determined young people. Having made such a wearable 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 have always dreamed of freedom. So, tattoos with Roman gladiators will tell about you as a freedom-loving person.

The meaning of a gladiator tattoo for women

Sometimes women also choose a tattoo with the image of a gladiator. You should not condemn or criticize the fair sex with such a wearable pattern. For women, a Roman slave tattoo would mean:

love of freedom
courage
hopelessness
loyalty

No need to be surprised to see a girl or woman with a gladiator tattoo. She can choose such a tattoo because of beauty, because often such tattoos look very impressive.

However, most often, a woman chooses such underwear drawings to demonstrate her strong and freedom-loving character.

Each gladiator understood that he was a slave and he had only one chance to survive - to win and each time he becomes stronger. By making 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 heading to the tattoo studio, it is important to decide on a sketch. Today, there are many options for a gladiator tattoo. So it can be a tattoo of the gladiator Spartacus, as well as with armor and a helmet. No less interesting version of the body pattern is the Gladiator's Colosseum.

Since tattoos are usually done in a realistic style, try to find a good tattoo artist. Everything will be important here: posture, facial expressions, weapons, gestures.

If desired, you can make a tattoo with the face of a Roman slave or in full growth. Alternatively, you can make a plot tattoo. The underwear drawing can be either in color or in black and white.

The image of a gladiator as a tattoo on the male body emphasizes the confidence, power and strength of the owner's character. The image of an ancient warrior symbolizes courage, which borders on despair.

Gladiator in combat on the shoulder

A bit of history

Gladiator tattoos, like no other, have a close connection with the history of ancient Rome.

Ancient times, when spectators froze on the stone steps of the Colosseum in anticipation of the deadly battles of fearless warriors, will forever remain objects of admiration and chanting. The Colosseum gathered all the inhabitants of the mighty Roman Empire. On specially equipped fields, fearless slaves - gladiators - lost their lives, shed their blood. As a reward for victory, they received freedom and the opportunity to become the best in this life.

According to historical sources, the warriors did not have a standard set of armor and other ammunition. The will of the emperor was decisive, and in many respects the life of gladiator slaves depended on him.

Gladiator tattoo on a guy's shoulder

The style of gladiator tattoos

Remember, to perform a tattoo with the image of a gladiator, as well as for other motives, you should choose a good tattoo parlor and an experienced master, respectively.

A sketch of a future tattoo depicting a gladiator is made in the style of realism. Most often, underwear is applied to the area of the shoulder, back or chest. Such a sketch returns to the old days - the era of fearless battles, heroism and power. Wearable drawings most often depict the faces of the famous gladiators of Rome and the outlying provinces of the empire. In addition, the main literary characters of poems and novels are popular.

full length gladiator tattoo

Gladiator tattoos have become quite popular, the sketches of which completely recreate the heroes of famous films. Most often, the main characters of the films "Gladiator" - Maximus, and also "Troy" - Achilles appear on the male body. Thus, the figures depict Hollywood actors - Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt.

Often, a tattoo with the image of a gladiator is applied to the area of the shoulder blade, back, shoulder or chest. Since these parts of the body are large enough for drawing drawings. The wearable pattern with the image of a gladiator looks spectacular and original both in black and white and in color. To make the tattoo unique, you can stylize it.

Another version of the gladiator tattoo

Plates and armor of gladiators as an element of a tattoo

Sometimes, as a tattoo, men choose not the appearance of a gladiator, but some elements, for example, armor or a helmet. Wearable pattern as armor is mainly inherent in courageous and stern people who are related to martial arts or have the ability to use weapons.

For example, armor on the shoulder indicates protection from trouble. A man with a tattooed image of a weapon, armor, helmet is resolute and ready to fight to the death for his ideals.

If we consider the symbolism and meaning of armor as a body pattern more deeply, we can determine that such a tattoo serves as a protection against earthly vices.

Arena with a gladiator in the form of a tattoo on the shoulder

Before applying a sketch, look at the gladiator tattoos photos in the catalog of tattoo parlors.

Such a tattoo will decorate the body, bring confidence and a sense of security in life.

Choosing a tattoo in the portfolio of a tattoo parlor, I chose the image of a gladiator. It seemed that such an image would give self-confidence and determination. The tattoo turned out colorful and spectacular. Now, when I walk down the street, no one passes by without paying attention. Indeed, the symbolism of tattoos has great power. Tested on myself!

Ivan, Moscow

Video: gladiator tattoo process

Sketches of gladiator tattoos

gladiator tattoo on shoulder

Gladiator tattoos are becoming more and more popular. Whether this is a desire to show the desire for freedom and a better life, or readiness for a deadly battle. Basically, the image of a warrior is done in the style of realism, so it is very important to choose a good master.

Famous gladiators, heroes of ancient Greek poems, are portrayed as warriors. Hollywood has released many films with a gladiatorial theme and now images of film heroes are often applied: Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Andy Whitfield and others.

A bit of history

Gladiator - in the ancient Roman Empire for the entertainment of mere mortals and the elite, fierce fights to the death were held between them. The people demanded "bread and circuses", and the emperor gave them what they wanted.

The event was attended by:

prisoners
convicts
slaves.

The price of victory or defeat was incredibly high - freedom or death.

For the battles won, the warriors received a lot of money, for which they could buy their freedom. Often they went to gladiators of their own free will.

To make gladiator fights exciting and truly spectacular, future participants underwent serious training. Gladiators were taught to handle different types of weapons, to resist other warriors and wild animals.

What does a gladiator tattoo mean today

A gladiator tattoo has a lot of meanings, depending on the nuances. It mainly symbolizes the desire for:

freedom
fearlessness
courage
self confidence.

If in the past the desire for freedom had a direct meaning, in the modern world it carries the meaning of freedom of choice, thought and spiritual independence more.

When choosing a tattoo that shows only a gladiator's helmet and the face is visible, you need to take into account the facial expression of a warrior. So a tattoo can become a symbol of fearlessness and vice versa - aggression.

It is important what position the fighter is in. Often they depict the armor and swords of gladiators as an element of a tattoo, if there is blood in the picture - a symbol of ruthlessness.

Significance for men

The meaning of making a gladiator tattoo for a man is to emphasize your:

courage
strength of character
fearlessness
desire for freedom.

Such a picture is appropriate on a strong male body; for more skinny guys, the picture will look if it is a reflection of his inner strength. For shy, timid and indecisive guys, such a pattern will not work.

The owners of such tattoos note that there are changes in character, behavior and way of thinking. The picture, as it were, reveals the hidden masculine qualities and gives inner strength. Sometimes the image of a gladiator makes a person aggressive, you should pay attention to the presence of blood in the sketch, the pose of a warrior and facial expression.

Significance for women

For such a tattoo means: fidelity, a hard life, hopelessness, courage and the desire for freedom. Rarely do women put a pattern of a gladiator on their bodies.

The main meaning is still masculine. If the fair sex chose such a tattoo, most likely she demonstrates her masculine character traits.

Sometimes girls with a difficult fate in this way show that even from slavery there is a way out and she seeks to gain freedom, get rid of hopelessness and gain strength to overcome difficulties.

For women, such a tattoo is not very suitable, but you can choose an aesthetic and beautiful pattern and it will look appropriate on the female body.

On which part of the body to get a gladiator tattoo

Depending on the desired pattern and size, the place where the tattoo is applied is also selected. In style and oversized, a tattoo on the shoulder will look good.

The image of a warrior on the entire back looks very impressive. Film frames are often used as the basis. A small tattoo on the arm, wrist would be appropriate in the do-it-yourself style.

The gladiator pattern on the shoulder will look perfect in full color. The drawing of the hero, his facial expression, detailing is important.

For the thigh or lower leg, any style and performance technique is suitable. But the smaller the image, the less detail should be, otherwise the drawing will not have the desired effect.

The best places on the body of a gladiator tattoo in full color with careful drawing are still the back and shoulder.

Prison gladiator tattoos

On such a tattoo has a more aggressive meaning. It is applied to a fighter who is close to the highest ranks, the so-called "hardened wolf". If there is blood on the image, this indicates a long period of stay in places of deprivation of liberty.

Historical facts

Translated from Latin, the word "gladiator" is translated as "sword-bearer". Gladiators were specially trained fighters who participated in spectacular fights. For the first time, bloodthirsty battles appeared in Ancient Rome and on the territory of Sparta as early as 106 BC. At first, slaves, criminals and prisoners of war sentenced to death became gladiators. They were trained in a special school, each of them trained in a certain type of combat. These could be battles on horseback, fights with animals or people, with or without weapons.

At first, gladiator fights were held only on holidays in honor of the god of war, Mars. But soon the bloodthirsty audience was so carried away by the exciting spectacle that battles became commonplace entertainment. Interest in them was also fueled by the fact that the gladiator who defeated everyone not only received a significant monetary reward, but could also redeem his life in this way. Gradually, the former slaves were replaced by ordinary Spartans who wanted to earn extra money and gain unprecedented fame.

In 63 AD Emperor Nero allowed women to take part in gladiator fights. 89 AD was marked by the fact that the then ruler Domitian issued a decree on the possibility of participation in the battles of dwarfs. Despite the fact that the gladiator had a helmet, armor and shield, it was almost impossible to avoid death. Scenes of violence, when a lion tore a man in front of an enthusiastic audience, caused anger and indignation among Christians. In 404, gladiator fights were officially abolished by Emperor Honorius.

Who is the tattoo suitable for?

The main meaning of a tattoo in modern body painting is independence, the desire for freedom, fearlessness and courage. The drawing is more suitable for men who feel the spirit of a warrior in themselves. The owner of a gladiator tattoo is a selfless and courageous person who openly declares to the world and others that he is not afraid of any blows of fate and life's difficulties. He dreams of freedom and does not accept restrictions. A gladiator tattoo is an aggressive symbol in itself, so it will not suit soft and indecisive people who cannot defend their point of view.

Such a tattoo is rare, but still found in women. The owner of a gladiator tattoo is often in a hopeless situation, but with all her might she strives to overcome the black stripe and get out of a difficult situation as a winner. Such a girl is always faithful to her chosen one.

On the gladiator tattoo zone, the meaning is even more aggressive than in ordinary life. A tattoo on the arm or on the shoulder is made by the so-called fighter, who cracks down on the prisoners on the orders of the main "godfather". This mission is considered responsible and respected, therefore the status of such a convict is quite high in criminal circles.

Technique

The gladiator tattoo looks impressive in the style of realism. As a basis, you can take a specific screen image of one of the Hollywood actors or opt for an abstract image (see photo in the gallery). In the work, it is important to convey the facial expressions and gestures of the character, so the choice of the master should be approached responsibly. A sketch of a gladiator tattoo would look nice on a large scale on the back or on the leg.

In the case of small monochrome drawings, the dotwork style should be preferred. A gladiator armor tattoo with a helmet, shoulder pads and a shield is a talisman for its owner. For the place of application, the foot, forearm are ideal.