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Regio VIII, Insula 7,16
The Gladiators' Barracks, also known as the Caserma dei Gladiatori, Ludus Gladiatorius, or Quadriporticus of the Theatre, is a significant archaeological structure in Pompeii located in Regio VIII, Insula 7.16. Originally constructed as a colonnaded foyer for theatergoers, it was repurposed after the AD 62 earthquake into a training and housing facility for gladiators, reflecting the city's vibrant spectacle culture. The site is renowned for the discovery of gladiatorial armor, weapons, and over 120 graffiti inscriptions that provide insights into the lives, rivalries, and admirers of these fighters. Buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the barracks offer a glimpse into Roman entertainment, military training, and social dynamics, with many artifacts now housed in the Naples Archaeological Museum.
The Gladiators' Barracks is situated behind the Large Theatre (Teatro Grande) in the southwestern part of Pompeii, within Regio VIII, Insula 7.16. It occupies a rectangular area measuring approximately 60 meters by 50 meters, accessible from Via Stabiana to the east via an entrance flanked by ancient inscriptions. The site is integrated into the theater complex, with the Large Theatre to the north and the Small Theatre (Odeon) nearby. Its position near the Triangular Forum and Temple of Isis underscores its role in Pompeii's cultural district. Coordinates are approximately 40.7513° N, 14.4868° E, making it a key stop in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The barracks overlook the surrounding landscape, with views toward the Sarno plain, and were strategically placed for easy access to the Amphitheatre for games.
Constructed around the mid-1st century BC (circa 80-70 BC), the
structure initially served as a quadriporticus—a four-sided
colonnade—acting as a sheltered extension or foyer for spectators of
the adjacent theaters. It provided space for promenades,
refreshments, and shelter during long performances, and may have
briefly functioned as a headquarters for youth training in sports,
intellect, and military skills. Following a violent riot in AD 59
between Pompeians and Nucerians at the Amphitheatre, which led to a
10-year ban on gladiatorial games by the Roman Senate, the city's
gladiatorial activities were disrupted. The AD 62 earthquake damaged
the original gladiatorial school (Ludus Gladiatorius at Regio V,
Insula 5.3), prompting the relocation of gladiators to this
quadriporticus, which was converted into barracks for training and
lodging. By AD 79, it housed gladiators from various troupes,
including freeborn volunteers, freedmen, and slaves, who trained for
combats in the Amphitheatre.
Excavations began in 1766-1769 under
early Bourbon efforts, uncovering weapons and armor. Further digs
occurred in 1774, 1779, 1842, 1890-1899, 1905, 1947, and 2004-2005.
During the initial excavations, 18 skeletons were found in a small
room on the south side, including one richly adorned woman (possibly
a visitor or lover) and others believed to be gladiators or staff
locked in during the eruption. The site has been restored multiple
times, with recent efforts focusing on structural stability and
visitor access.
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The barracks feature a large central courtyard (approximately 42m x
35m) enclosed by a quadriporticus with 74 Doric columns of tufa,
originally stuccoed and painted. The columns supported an upper
floor balcony, reconstructed in modern times, accessible by stairs
in the corners. The courtyard served as a training ground
(palestra), originally a garden with trees, shrubs, pathways, and a
gutter for rainwater collection, later adapted for combat practice.
Entrances include the main one from Via Stabiana (with ramps for
access) and connections to the theaters.
Surrounding the portico
are 68 small rooms on the ground floor, used as dormitories,
storage, a kitchen, mess hall, stables, and an armory. The upper
floor had additional quarters, likely for the lanista
(trainer/owner) and higher-status gladiators. On the south side, a
central exedra (open-fronted room) served as a lounge or trainer's
station, with stairs to an ergastulum (slave prison) below, where
four unchained skeletons were found. Inter-columnar spaces were
later walled with low barriers decorated with frescoes. The layout
reflects adaptive reuse: from public leisure space to a secure,
functional ludus with provisions for housing out-of-town gladiators.
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Decorations are modest, typical of a utilitarian space, with Fourth
Style frescoes in some rooms. The south exedra featured notable
paintings: Mars and Venus on the rear wall, and trophy-like piles of
gladiatorial weapons on the sides (now in Naples Museum, inv. 9694
and 9702). Low walls between columns depicted hunting scenes,
mythological motifs (e.g., Europa on the bull), and gladiatorial
themes.
The site is famous for over 120 graffiti inscriptions in
Latin, scratched on columns and walls, detailing gladiators' names,
victories, origins, and romantic pursuits. Examples include records
of fighters like Celadus ("the girls' sigh") and Florus, boasts of
conquests (e.g., "Celadus Thrax, heartthrob of the girls"), and
types such as Thracians, murmillones, retiarii, essedarii, and
equites. Entrance walls had painted announcements, like "POMPEIS
VENATIONES" (hunts in Pompeii). These reveal gladiators' celebrity
status, with some freeborn (e.g., Marcus Attilius) and others slaves
or freedmen.
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Excavations in 1766-1768 yielded a trove of gladiatorial equipment,
stored in rooms, suggesting parade or combat use. Highlights include:
Helmets: Bronze murmillo helmet with Hercules herm and Bacchanalian
scenes (inv. 5672); thraex helmet with griffin crest and Medusa (inv.
5632); provocator helmet with eagle relief (inv. 5657).
Greaves (Shin
Guards): Pairs depicting Jupiter (inv. 5645), Neptune (inv. 5647),
Minerva, and Bacchic processions.
Shields and Weapons: Bronze shield
with gorgoneion and laurels (inv. 5669); daggers, galerus (shoulder
guards), and ornate items with silver inlays, showing little wear—likely
for processions.
Other: A small tuff gladiator statue and jewelry
from skeletons. These artifacts, adorned with reliefs and engravings,
highlight the glamour and symbolism of gladiatorial life.
As of August 2025, the Gladiators' Barracks is open to the public within the Pompeii Archaeological Park, with hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM in summer). It features reconstructed elements like the upper balcony for immersive viewing. Conservation challenges include erosion from weather and tourism, but recent restorations (e.g., 2004-2005) have stabilized the site. Visitors can explore the courtyard, rooms, and graffiti replicas, with nearby attractions like the theaters enhancing the experience. Artifacts are displayed in Naples, and virtual tours are available online. The barracks remain a testament to Pompeii's gladiatorial heritage, drawing scholars and tourists alike.