Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum – Rare Roman Artefacts on Display at Royal Armouries

About

From 28 June to 2 November 2025, the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds will host Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum, a major international exhibition arriving in the UK for the first time. Having already drawn over one million visitors worldwide, this landmark display explores the captivating world of ancient Rome’s gladiators.

Authentic Artefacts from Ancient Rome

Developed in collaboration with the Colosseum in Rome, this exhibition brings together original artefacts from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Among the highlights are:

Gladiatorial weaponry and armour
Three rare, intact gladiator helmets
Findings from Pompeii’s gladiator barracks

Through a combination of archaeological evidence, historical accounts and modern research, the exhibition offers insight into the skills, daily lives and social roles of Rome’s most iconic warriors.

Immersive and Interactive Experiences

Visitors can expect a fully immersive experience, including:

Life-sized models and recreated gladiator training scenes
Interactive displays exploring combat techniques and lifestyle
Insights into the diet and community life of gladiators

Contrary to popular belief, gladiators followed a mostly vegetarian diet, consisting of beans, barley porridge and vegetables. Their regimen even included a calcium-rich ‘energy drink’ made with bone ash to maintain bone strength and endurance.

A Unique Cultural Experience in a Historic Setting

Hosted within the newly developed special exhibitions gallery at the Royal Armouries, this will be the first large-scale exhibition under the museum’s Armouries 700 masterplan—a major redevelopment project marking a significant step in the site’s transformation.

Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Armouries, commented:

“There are few stories as compelling as that of the gladiators. From the great Hollywood epics to games, comics and Saturday evening TV – we’ve all shared the drama and larger than life stories. This exhibition delivers spectacle but also something far more powerful, real artefacts that connect us to the lives of the people behind the myth.”

Plan Your Visit

Entry to the Royal Armouries Museum remains free, but tickets are required for the Gladiators exhibition. Prices are as follows:

Adults: £6.50
Concessions: £4.00
Children (aged 4–17): £4.00
Children under 4: Free

Tickets are available to purchase via the Royal Armouries Museum website.

About the Exhibition

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum is presented by the Royal Armouries in partnership with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Expona, and Contemporanea Progetti. The development of the new exhibition space has been supported by grants from the Wolfson Foundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation.