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Spiculus, The Roman Gladiator Who Was So Good That Emperor Nero Wanted To Be Killed By Him
One fighting hero of the old Roman empire was so famous for his ability that even the emperor wanted to be killed by him
Although abjectly brutal, at one time gladiators were some of the most famous and revered people in the world. After all, the fortitude it took to participate in the life or death, winner take all nature of the fighting pits was a way to gain some serious respect and notoriety. For a time, one of the most well-known gladiators was a man named Spiculus. His ability garnered so much attention that he became a favorite of the infamous Roman emperor Nero, who actually wanted the warrior to kill him.
In the first century A.D. Spiculus came to the forefront of Roman society because of his ability as a gladiator. He became popular with audiences and the Roman elite because of his unique presence when fighting. Not necessarily the biggest or most physically talented, he displayed a rare blend of grit and intelligence, which allowed him to record victory after victory. In particular, emperor Nero became a big fan, lavishing his hero with a palace and other property that allowed him to escape the typical life of a professional fighter.
