Forget Meat: Gladiators Were Mostly Vegetarians 🌱

Diet of the Arena

Contrary to popular belief, gladiators in ancient Rome were predominantly vegetarians. Nicknamed hordearii, or “barley men,” they primarily consumed a plant-based diet rich in grains like barley, wheat, and oats. This diet provided them with the necessary carbohydrates for endurance during intense combat.

Barley and Beans

Archaeological evidence from gladiator burial sites in Ephesus, Turkey, confirms the importance of grains in their diet. Studies of their bones revealed high levels of strontium, indicating a diet heavy in plants and beans, rather than animal protein.

The Bone-Strengthening Drink

Gladiators also consumed a calcium-rich drink made from charred wood or bone ash. This beverage, essentially an ancient supplement, helped strengthen their bones—crucial for surviving the brutal battles they fought in the arena.

Forget Meat: Gladiators Were Mostly Vegetarians 🌱

Diet of the Arena
Contrary to popular belief, gladiators in ancient Rome were predominantly vegetarians. Nicknamed hordearii, or "barley men," they primarily consumed a plant-based diet rich in grains like barley, wheat, and… pic.twitter.com/vYesirivGm

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