Gladiator sandals have suddenly invaded the fashion republic. The footwear industry gave in to this craze since it was declared a summer must-have a few years ago. It's seen everywhere and you just have to flip pages of a magazine or walk down the city streets to spot these eye stoppers. Basically, it's a t-strap sandal with several laces that goes around the feet and ankle. It has evolved into variations of style from couture high fashion to street casual.



The way it's called suggests that this type of footwear was inspired from gladiators. It's fascinating that a trained, skilled and armored fighter suddenly became a trendsetter for women. Gladiators are trained to kill for entertainment and their sandals are designed to endure all battles they fight. While for modern women, gladiator sandals are meant to be used as a fashion statement- walking with a pair of gladiator sandals means being a winner. This latest craze however is more than just hype. Its inspiration came from a bloodline of real winners. Gladiator sandals have proved to be a triumphant symbol, both today and the Roman ancient times.

The making of a gladiator is daring and full of aggression, just like the fashion line they inspired. The Roman Empire, being a tremendous force, had an army that conquered vast foreign lands, and through this course they have captured prisoners of war. Now turned into slaves, these men are sold in the market. The best calibers are sent to Rome and trained as gladiators. The same goes with condemned criminals who have lost their citizenship rights. Another category of gladiators are paid volunteers and like professional athletes, they are trained in gladiatorial schools, and breathed in harsh discipline. But unlike athletes, they pack more pounds because a heavier built would help to protect their internal organs from blows and hits. Women at some period were allowed to fight in the arena. Roman emperor Septimius Severus, ruler from 193 to 211 CE, gave them the go signal, until they are banned in 200 CE.

Dressed to kill, the average life span of a gladiator is 27 years and exceptional ones live past 30 years. A typical gladiator fights 3 times a year and each would last about 10-15 minutes. Only a lucky few survive more than 10 games. Even if each game is their last; they can still taste glory and be heroes for a fight well done. Freedom is even granted for those who can survive for 3 to 5 years.

The earliest known Roman gladiatorial combat was held for a funeral rite in 264 BC. Marcus and Decimus, to honor the spirit of their dead father, Junius Brutus, have commanded 3 pairs of gladiators to fight one another. This tradition was held every 5 years to commemorate the life of the deceased.

As popularity of gladiatorial games grew, more profit is also earned by their trainers and owners. Politicians sponsor these games in the hope of gaining popularity and favor from voters, who nonetheless are more pleased with spectacular fights. Romans indulged and spent extravagantly to keep this brutal entertainment at its finest. And for 7 centuries, this spectacle has crowded amphitheaters- a tradition that eventually became one of the defining symbols of Roman culture.

Today, we may not reason with the Roman's lust for blood but amidst the overwhelming gladiatorial combat, they have instilled a rich heritage that is worthy to be treasured and celebrated. Gladiator sandals are just one of those symbols reminding us that values depicted by gladiators such as courage and strength never goes out of style.