In their exploration of 'Ancient Societies', 7HSIEU has been actively engaging with various writing genres to deepen their understanding of empathy, allowing students to connect with historical narratives in meaningful and relatable ways. One student wrote a heartfelt letter from the viewpoint of a Roman Gladiator in ancient Rome, sharing their hopes and challenges, which really showed how they understood the time period while also connecting to feelings that people have always experienced.

Date: 92AD

Dear Mum and Dad,

I know I haven't been home in a while and that's because I became a gladiator. We have to fight for out lives and are only a source of entertainment for others to watch. How humiliating. The colosseum is a 4-story high building built in an eclipse-shape of arches and columns. This is where we fight to the death and in this letter I will be givingyou a rundown of what happened today.

My day started off like any other. I woke up in my cell, a simple wooden plank bed with a bath, got dressed and headed out into the main dining hall. Our diet mainly consisted of protein and carbohydrates, sometimes with vegetables and if anyone spoke or even made a beep during meals time they would receive punishment. After that, me and the other gladiators got bounded into shackles and transported into the central training yard. For the rest of the morning until the grand parade, we were expected to train with the necessary items given to us to perfection, making sure that the performance we put on was spectacular for all to see. We were considered the lowest of the lows after all, so our expectations were held to a really high standard.

Before I knew it, we were all ordered to dress into our full gear for the parade, which was the start of the event held at the colleseum. The first event that took place was a fight to the death with wild animals like lions as opponents. I'd never been good at these and today was no exception. An elephant and a lion had cornered me, staring at me with pierced eyes looking for a meal to chomp on. I thought it was the end for me, but I remembered Spartacus, the gladiator that led the slave revolt and died in it with passion and bravery. I clamped my weapon tightly, and swung with full force, defeating these evil prey and sending them howling in pain. The audience cheered and shouted, knowing they had put their bets on the right guy and encouraged me to slay the rest of my foes with ease.

The sun had set and the final even was taking place: Gladiator Combat. I had chosen the murmillo set which was eqipped with a shield and sword. My protectionwas to one of the higher standards with a helmet, manica, greave, loincloth, belt and wrappings on the feet. A horn blared and the gates rose, revealing my cellmates, condemned criminals and soldiers, my opponents. Another gladiator marched upe to me, clearly having chose the retiarii set which consisted of a trident and small dagger, took out his dagger and charges headfirst toward me. Leaping out of the way, I unsheathed my sword and swung down hard, chopping his right hand off. Another guy, who had equipped the dimachaeri set (duel swords) had seen my victory and decided to try his luck with me, We were at a stalemate for a few minutes until he surrendered and the crowd started booing. Somehow, miraculously, I was the last man standing in the arena and the crowd went bonkers.

Before I could leave for the day though, the emperor had to come down to me to announce something. He had handed me a wooden sword and shouted to the audience that through all my challenges, I never failed to disappoint and so, I was let free from being a gladiator and could return home.

To conclude thsi letter, I want to say that I am making my way back home and I have a surprise for you as well. My journey home won't be easy but I'll be at peace knowing that you're waiting for me.

Sending you love from your son

Lucius Valerius ( a noble and free former gladiator)

Writtend by Abigail Guo Year 7

Maria Doulakis I Head Teacher HSIE