We so often imagine Roman gladiators fighting for survival in the Colosseum, but don’t give much thought to their lives behind the walls of the epicentre of legendary and brutal battles. From a short lifespan, to achieving fame and fortune, the life of a gladiator was full of highs and lows.
Let’s explore the lives of the inspirations behind the newest fighters looking to prove themselves in Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum, and learn just how a gladiator would spend his days.
A Life Short-Lived (But Well-Lived)
The life of a gladiator was brutal yet brief. The typical Ancient Roman fighter would not expect to see thirty years of age, usually succumbing to the horrors of the gladiator games in their mid-twenties. As such, an estimated 400,000 gladiators were killed during the time of the Colosseum battles between 80 AD and around 400 AD.
Historians estimate that one in ten bouts left a gladiator dead, but the loved ones the fighers left behind weren’t left with naught. Some gladiators actually organised themselves into unions, thinking of their plight as a brotherhood of sorts. Leaders of these unions would be elected, and when a gladiator was killed in battle, the members would ensure they received a proper funeral, a tombstone inscribed with their achievements, and that their family were well compensated.
It wasn’t all death and despair, however, as gladiators also recieved massages, access to hot baths, and, often, celebrity status. They were essentially sex symbols of their era, with many female fans wearing jewellery dipped in the blood of gladiators, or using cosmetics mixed with their sweat.
Dying Gladiator by Jacques Bergé (1735 AD)
The Gladiator Diet
As well as the accolades and attention that came with being a gladiator, they also ate three square meals a day, although no one was allowed to speak during mealtimes. While the diet of an elite athlete is now thought of to as varied and including fish, meat, dairy, and vegetables, analysis of bones taken from a gladiator grave site in Ephesus (now in Turkey) revealed that their diet was far different. They mostly ate carbohydrates such as beans, barley, and wheat, and there was little sign of meat or dairy products.
Despite this surprisingly lean everyday diet, great banquets were held for the gladiators on nights before bouts with the understanding that this could be their last meal.
Too Close for Comfort
Gladiators weren’t housed in style. They slept in three-square-metre cells, often doubling up on occupants. The cells were located in their own wing, separate from the wings holding bigger rooms for the trainers and honoured retirees who specialised in teaching their signature fighting style to newcomers. The veterans’ furnishings were comfortable, and they were given real beds, unlike the gladiators who most likely slept on the floor.
Gladiators would spend most of their time in these cells if they were not training, fighting, or eating.
The Gladiators by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1878 AD)
School of Rome
More than one hundred gladiator schools were built during the time of the Roman Empire, and here the rigorous training would separate the wheat from the chaff. A gladiator’s training was intense, and their fitness was honed over time depending on their class. There were several great gladiator training schools known for producing the finest fighters, with the first and greatest of these being the Amphitheater of Capua, founded by Gaius Aurelius Scaurus in 105 BC.
Check out more Conqueror’s Tales about the Ancient Roman Empire and its gladiators with our look at the gladiator games, and keep an eye out for more!
Artisans of War: Para Bellum — Fight For Battle Supplies!
As the old Latin adage goes—if you want peace, prepare for war! Participate in the Artisans of War: Para Bellum event until September 22(08:00 server time) to exchange Arms Medals from obtaining Champion Chests for incredible prizes. During the event, you can also pick up discounted Bundles full of useful items to see you through the toughest battles in Conqueror's Blade: Colosseum.
New Event — Artisans of War: Para Bellum
To the victor, go the spoils! Earn or purchase Champion Chests and trade in their dropped Arms Medals for treasures fit for a champ at the Artisan.
Champion Chests: Get Bronze and Silver Champion Chests from the Smuggler, and Gold Champion Chests as drops from the Colosseum Mode and Siege, then exchange the Arms Medals inside for Silver Keys, Treatises, Lotus Water, and more!
Epic Attire Selection: Make sure you’re dressing for success. Claim the box as a reward, and open it to choose from the Dragon’s Eye, Cinnabar Dragon, Rotmistrz, Minotaur, or Runic Knight's Hero Attire.
Power Boost: Want to strengthen your power in the Colosseum? Pick up Legacy of Fire Challenge Bundles with Arms Medals and get the Challenge Vouchers for either the Zykalian Militia, Symmachean Stalwarts, Symmachean Paladins, or Siphonarioi.
Discounted Battle Supplies
From now until September 22 (08:00 server time), you can pick up the following discounted Bundles from the in-game store to set you on the path of triumph!
Colosseum Cornucopia: Packed full of Unit Medals, Glory, Silver, and Bronze at a 25% discount! (Purchase Limit: 10)
Campaigner's Payroll: Use this Bundle of Bronze, Unit Medals, and 1-Battle Super Unit XP Cards to your advantage in the Colosseum; and it’s 33% off! (Purchase Limit: 10)
For those who are about to fight, we salute you!
Colosseum Mode: Changes to Schedule and Availability
We hope you’ve been having fun conquering the new gladiator-inspired Colosseum Mode! We’ve been monitoring feedback and player activity and decided to make a few changes to keep things fresh.
Starting September 9, Colosseum Mode will temporarily be accessible from the ‘J’ menu under ‘EVENTS’, and available only during specific times. With this, we intend to preserve the spectacle and thrilling impact of Colosseum battles, while ensuring a healthy balance of players fighting in active matchmaking modes, regardless of when you choose to play.
Colosseum Mode will be available in two phases every day at the following times:
PHASE ONE (Recommended for players in Europe):
17:30 - 19:30 CEST
11:30 - 13:30 EDT
08:30 - 10:30 PDT
PHASE TWO (Recommended for players in North America):
23:30 - 01:30 CEST
17:30 - 19:30 EDT
14:30 - 16:30 PDT
To link Colosseum Mode more closely with seasonal progression, a new quest will be available from the Warden on September 12, 12:00 Server Time. Take it on and compete in Colosseum battles to earn a Myrmillones (4-Star Unit) Challenge Voucher!
Additionally, new Colosseum quests will be available from the Warden starting October 3 which grant Retiarii (5-Star Unit) Challenge Vouchers as rewards.
We will soon be launching a new survey to gather more feedback about Colosseum Mode so we can continue to improve it and keep you thrilled throughout Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum and beyond. Keep an eye out for the survey on Discord if you wish to participate!
Let the Gladiator Games begin in Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum, the new Season now available as a free update! Rise as a champion of the Colosseum in a brand-new 6v6 game mode, fight through the ranks in a new Seasonal Campaign, unlock Units inspired by Roman gladiators, and enjoy special launch events throughout September.
The Colosseum Battle Pass is now available to buy in-game, and from MY.GAMES Market (via the MGLauncher) and Steam, with the Gladiator Champion Hero Attire granted as an instant unlock.
Colosseum Mode
Enter the fray in the brand-new Colosseum mode, inspired by the gladiator battles of Ancient Rome! Fight in ferocious 6v6 battles armed with only two respawns, one piece of artillery, and your own Units. Lead the greatest gladiators in the world to glory in this new arena, and brave the trials and tribulations of combat before a cheering crowd.
Learn more about the gameplay and design of Colosseum mode, then experience the spectacle for yourself today!
Gladiator Units
Three new Seasonal Units inspired by Ancient Roman gladiators will be available to unlock via Unit Challenges throughout the Season, with each bringing unique tactics and shifting power dynamics to the Colosseum:
Dimachaeri (3-Star) — Available Now: A staple of the Colosseum’s brutal battles, these gladiators are armed with two blades, which they deftly use to defend and attack.
Myrmillones (4-Star) — Coming September 12: Trained from a young age, these fighters excel at combat and breaking down enemy defences with their sword and shield combo. Advance with their Myrmillones' Guard mechanic to usher enemies to their doom and seize the advantage!
Retiarii (5-Star) — Coming October 3: The undisputed champions of the Colosseum. They wield javelins and tridents, excellent mobility, and a secret curse.
Battle Pass: Exclusive Free & Premium Rewards
The Colosseum has opened, and many rewards inspired by the immortal reputation of Ancient Rome are yours to earn in the Battle Pass! Over 100 levels of Free and Premium rewards can be claimed by completing Seasonal Challenges, earning Glory, and levelling up during the season. Equip your new gladiator allies in the Equites Unit Attire, and ride into the Colosseum atop a steed adorned with the Triumphant Leo Mount Set. At Tier 100 sits the ultimate trophy for any true gladiator—-the Centurion Hero Attire.
Gladiator Champion Hero Attire is available as an instant reward when you purchase the Battle Pass in-game for 1,000 Sovereigns, or from MY.GAMES Market (in the MGLauncher) or Steam. Conqueror’s Blade is a free-to-play game, and there are many exciting rewards to be earned on the Free Pass too.
Draw Blades from the Battle Pass to exchange in the Seasonal Store for weapon skins and revamped cosmetics not seen since Season IX: Tyranny!
Seasonal Campaign: Colosseum
Emperor Hadrianus has relaunched the Gladiator Games, a bloodsport that was once so popular amongst the citizens of the ancient Aquiline Empire. Now, heroes from the far reaches of the world contend for glory within the walls of the restored Colosseum.
Fight to survive in a new chapter inspired by Ancient Rome and its gladiators, and complete Challenges to claim rewards from the Battle Pass in the Seasonal Campaign.
Start your journey in either The Borderlands or Anadolou, then fight your way through five stages of the Campaign in Territory Wars every Tuesday and Saturday. The final battle at the end of the Season will be fought in Anliang (Capital of Maoyang).
Territory Wars
Territory Wars begin on September 6 and will be waged every Tuesday and Saturday throughout Colosseum. Participate in epic server-wide PvP battles which form the lion’s share of endgame content in Conqueror’s Blade.
Take part in Territory Wars by joining a player-controlled Free House or Alliance, or a Cohort (NPC-controlled House) and expand your empire by fighting alongside your fellow warlords via the ‘Battle’ interface or in the Open World to gain control of fiefs. For more information about Territory Wars, check out our top tips here.
Season Launch Sales
Begin your ascent to glory in Colosseum in style, with special launch sales now active in-game. Everything listed below is 30% off, so stock up on everything you’ll need to endure the trials of the greatest combat arena ever known.
Golden Key Bundle: Grab Golden Keys by the fistful, and pick up more every day for a week, available until September 8.
Consumable Bundles: Until September 29, you can pick up bundles like Expedition Supplies, Spoils of War, Master-at-Arms' Supplies, and more with 30% off!
Useful Items: Until September 21 you can snatch up bargains on Battle Relics, Honour Reset Tokens, Personal Storage Expansion, Horse Trough, Greater Scroll of Glorys, and more!
Mercenary Supplies: Load up on Bronze, Unit Medals, 10-Battle Unit XP Card, Expansion Permits, and Heroic Era Signaculum Boxes at a 30% discount—permanently!
Quality of Life Changes
We always strive to improve the Conqueror’s Blade experience with every new Season, and Colosseum is no exception, with new improvements to the user interface now available. Read up about every change in the patch notes before you start playing!
For those who are about to fight, we salute you. Download and play Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum today!
For more information about the new Season, check out the latest patch notes. New to the game? Conqueror’s Blade is available to download and play for free from the official website and Steam. Get the latest Conqueror’s Blade news by subscribing to the official newsletter and connecting with us on Twitch, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Discord.
Unit Guide: Dimachaeri (3-Star)
Dimachaeri are powerful gladiators who wield two swords to bring the fight directly to their opponents. Unlock these born fighters in Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum today via new Unit Challenges!
Unlocking
The Dimachaeri can be unlocked by completing Seasonal Unit Challenges, and come with a Seasonal Bonus in the form of Leadership requirements decreased by 10 points for the duration of the Season.
Background
The Dimachaeri are gladiators deemed to be a crucial component of the Colosseum. They delight the baying crowds with their keen swordsmanship and battle techniques.
Able to use their straight blade and siccae swords to bash enemy shields aside before launching into a furious unblockable attack that dazes their foes, these gladiators are not to be trifled with.
Strengths & Weaknesses
This unit knows how to handle a fight like a pro, having spent enough time in the Colosseum honing an effective fighting style. Their attacks are mostly offensive, but they can also employ an acrobatic-style retreat to create distance between themselves and any pesky foe who dares to enter their zone.
The Dimachaeri do not possess shields, and are therefore exposed in ways the Myrmillones—their gladiator peers—are not. Defence is not their strong suit; they are best deployed for frontal assaults rather than holding areas or defending their leader.
Just the facts: Dimachaeri (3-Star)
Formations
Dispersed: The unit spreads out to avoid the effects of ranged attacks and artillery.
Hawk: The gladiators arrange themselves in a formation useful for launching a concentrated attack.
Unit Traits
Bread & Circuses: Leadership cost is reduced by 10 points while the Colosseum Season is active.
Nimble: Will quickly back away after attacking and maintain their distance from the enemy.
Bypass Block: Siccae swords can go around shields and deal damage that ignores Block. When using normal attacks, there is a chance the units will use its siccae sword.
Unit Orders
Siccae Lunge: Dimachaeri quickly unleash two unblockable siccae sword stabs, then pull back to maintain their distance.
Siccae Torrent: Upon engaging the enemy, Dimachaeri lunge at the enemy and unleash a powerful attack that deals a relatively large amount of damage and inflicts Dazed on soldiers. Afterwards, they unleash multiple powerful strikes.
The Dimachaeri are now available to unlock via Unit Challenges!
NOTE: The above information is correct as of the time of publication. Please check in-game for the most up-to-date Unit information.
Server downtime - September 1
Please be aware that from 08:00 CEST on September 1 (23:00 PDT on August 31), the Conqueror’s Blade servers will be inaccessible. The downtime is expected to last for 8 hours.
Please refer to the Patch Notes for documented changes. Meanwhile, stay tuned to our Discord channel in case of any immediate server updates.
Celebrate the Colosseum Launch with Twitch Drops!
The Colosseum is about to open, and to celebrate the launch of the new Season and game mode, we’re offering a set of in-game rewards you can grab via Twitch Drops!
Tune in to Twitch streams hosted by select Conqueror’s Blade content creators between September 1 (15:00 UTC) and September 12 (12:00 UTC), rack up a certain amount of viewing time, then claim the spoils.
Earn and claim Expansion Permits, Silver Keys, Epic Artillery Chests, Greater Scrolls of Glory to boost your Battle Pass Tiers, a Framing Emote, and much more to aid you in your rise to glory in Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum.
You can also claim one additional instant reward every day (up to a total of twelve throughout the two campaigns), by watching for a total of one hour and thirty minutes per day to earn a Twitch Drops Progression Bundle containing two Basic Supply Crates and two Common Honor Medals!
Your rewards will appear in your Drops Inventory when you’ve collected enough total viewing time from participating streams. Don’t forget to claim them as soon as possible so you can work towards the next reward! Check out the Colosseum Launch Twitch Drops rewards below:
To claim your items, make sure you link your Conqueror’s Blade account with your Twitch account:
Log in here (use your Steam account if that’s how you play the game).
Make sure to log in with your correct established account. If you register a new account, rewards will automatically be assigned to that account.
Select ‘Link with Twitch’, and make sure you confirm the connection.
If you’re having trouble, our handy video contains some tips and tricks to help you get started with Twitch Drops:
Where to watch Conqueror’s Blade on Twitch
If you’re new to Conqueror’s Blade on Twitch, the following channels are all participants in the Content Creator Program and will be streaming Conqueror’s Blade throughout this event as their schedules allow. Remember to follow or subscribe to those you enjoy!
Endure the trials of the greatest arena ever built, form alliances, and rise to glory as you embark on a new Seasonal Campaign in Conqueror's Blade: Colosseum!
To participate in the Campaign, you must belong to an NPC or player-controlled House/Cohort or Alliance, and fight alongside fellow Heroes via the ‘Battle’ interface or in the open world to gain control of settlements. Territory Wars begin on September 6 and will occur every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the season. For more information about Territory Wars, check out our top tips here.
The Seasonal Campaign is divided into five stages. Maoyang is the core region, with the main objective being its Capital: Anliang (in Stage 5). As stages progress, access is granted to neighbouring regions, which then become conquerable. Maoyang’s fiefs will grant Influence to their captors’ Alliance, and whoever controls Anliang will be the victor. The winning House’s liege will receive the Hegemon title, and all members will receive additional rewards.
● Inaccessible: Maoyang [/td][td] ● Deployable Units: 1-Star to 3.5-Star
● Armour Set bonus: Inactive
● Crafted Equipment bonus: Inactive
● Auxiliary Points: 300
● No Extra Leadership [/td][/tr][tr][td] Stage 2: Eye of the Storm [/td][td] ● September 12 - October 2
● Territory War in: The Borderlands, Anadolou, Maoyang [/td][td] ● Deployable Units: 1-Star to 4.5-Star
● Armour Set bonus: Active
● Crafted Equipment bonus: Inactive
● Auxiliary Points: 400
● No Extra Leadership [/td][/tr][tr][td] Stage 3: All is Chaos [/td][td] ● October 3 - October 16
● Territory War in: The Borderlands, Anadolou, Maoyang [/td][td] ● Deployable Units: 1-Star to 5-Star
● Armour Set bonus: Active
● Crafted Equipment bonus: Active
● Auxiliary Points: 500
● +40 Extra Leadership [/td][/tr][tr][td] Stage 4: Usurp the Throne [/td][td] ● October 17 - October 30
● Territory War in: The Borderlands, Anadolou, Maoyang
● Battle for the capitals: Reginopolis (Capital of Anadolou) [/td][td] ● Deployable Units: 1-Star to 5-Star
● Armour Set bonus: Active
● Crafted Equipment bonus: Active
● Auxiliary Points: 600
● +40 Extra Leadership [/td][/tr][tr][td] Stage 5: Imperial Dawn [/td][td] ● October 31 - November 13
● Territory War in: The Borderlands, Anadolou, Maoyang
● Battle for the capitals: Reginopolis (Capital of Anadolou)
● Battle for the core capital: Anliang (Capital of Maoyang) [/td][td] ● Deployable Units: 1-Star to 5-Star
● Armour Set bonus: Active
● Crafted Equipment bonus: Active
● Auxiliary Points: 700
● +100 Extra Leadership [/td][/tr][/table] The Seasonal Seal System will be in effect in the following modes:
Siege Battles
Field Battles
Territory Wars
Rebel Camps
Bandit Raids
Training Battles (AI）
Select event modes (PVP/PVPVE)
The Seasonal Seal System will NOT be in effect in the following modes:
Colosseum
Expeditions
Deathmatches
Ranked
Free Battles
Select event modes (PVE/PVPVE)
Tutorial
Custom Battles
Armour Set Bonus refers to the bonuses that take effect when you have two or four pieces of a specific set.
Crafted Equipment bonuses are the additional “+ amount” bonuses that you obtain for a specific stat.
IMPORTANT: Restrictions implemented by the Seasonal Seal System are only temporary and do not impact the future availability of and access to content such as Units.
Rewards from taking part in Territory Wars and completing quests during the Colosseum Campaign include Chests of Bronze and Treatise in various quantities, and more (check in-game for more details).
Colosseum Unit Spotlight: Dimachaeri
Three new Seasonal Units inspired by Ancient Roman gladiators are coming to Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum when the new update launches on September 1. We’ve met the agile yet deadly Retiarii, the born-and-bred fighters of the Myrmillones, and now it’s time to come face to face with the first set of fighters who will enter the Colosseum: Dimachaeri (3-Star).
The Ancient Roman gladiator known as the Dimachaerus was notable for his barbarian-esque appearance and fighting style. Armed with two swords and only light armour as protection from the horrors of gladiator combat, the Dimachaeri still demonstrated superior skills in the arena. Equipped for close-combat fighting, these gladiators adapted to both attacking and defending with their swords, as they did not carry shields.
Lured by fame or simply driven by desperation, the Dimachaeri in Conqueror’s Blade are a staple of the Colosseum. These nameless gladiators are as mysterious as they are powerful, wielding two swords, one a simple blade, and the other a ‘siccae’ or curved sword, capable of ignoring enemy blocking and able to tear shields aside.
Their combat techniques also enable them to raise their damage potential for a short time, as well as utilising back-stepping after every strike to prevent the enemy from hitting them.
Add the Dimachaeri to your ranks by completing new Unit Challenges in Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum on September 1.
IMPORTANT: This article is accurate as of the time of publication but may be subject to change. Please read the Colosseum patch notes and Unit Guides throughout the new Season for the latest information!
Join the Colosseum Preview Event on August 26!
The Colosseum opens on September 1, and if you can’t wait to rise as a champion in the Ancient Rome-inspired Season, you can watch an exclusive preview ahead of time!
On August 26 from 17:30 CEST / 08:30 PST, tune into the official Conqueror’s Blade Twitch channel with your Community Manager hosts Bluntcast & KT_Peridot for a sneak peek at all the content that Conqueror’s Blade: Colosseum has in store.
Witness the rise of a glorious new era, inspired by Ancient Rome.
Meet the gladiator Units of the Colosseum—the blade-wielding Dimachaeri, the natural-born fighters of the Myrmillones, and the champion javelin-throwing Retiarii
Check out new Battle Pass rewards such as Hero Attires, Emotes, Weapon Skins, and more.
See the new 6v6 Colosseum Mode in action!
… And more!
Stay tuned to the official Conqueror’s Blade Twitch channel after the preview, as our Community Managers will be facing off against Content Creators in a few friendly matches showing off the new Colosseum Mode!
When the official Preview Event stream has ended, you can join your favourite Conqueror’s Blade content creators as they explore the new season, too!
Dying Gladiator by Jacques Bergé (1735 AD) 
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