A major touring exhibition uncovering insights on Britain's gladiators arrives in Chester later this month.

Revealing the hidden tales of gladiators who fought and died in Britain, it can be seen at the Grosvenor Museum from 20 September 2025 until the new year.

The British Museum Partnership exhibition, Gladiators of Britain, will travel to a total of just four venues around the UK this year, bringing together some of the country's most important objects from the period.

It will look at the history of gladiatorial fights in Britain, who gladiators were and the importance of spectacle in Roman culture.

Roman traditions in the local region of each venue will also be explored, following in the footsteps of the gladiators who fought in the amphitheatres of Britain. 

Occupying Britain for over 350 years, the Romans introduced many aspects of their culture including gladiatorial fights for public entertainment.

The events of the amphitheatre, with its wild beasts and enslaved fighters, are one of the most enduring aspects of Roman culture that still capture the public imagination today. 

Grosvenor Museum's exhibition will explore the history of Chester's amphitheatre, which is the largest example in Britain, featuring objects found at the site - such as an altar to the goddess Nemesis.

Gladiators of Britain will look at the social position of enslaved fighters, who were both vilified and admired as the celebrities of their day.

Visitors will also find out about the many different classes of gladiator and how they were ranked - including beast-fighters known as venators, who clashed with predators including lions and bears.

Several special events and activities have been arranged to coincide with the exhibition coming to Chester. 

During October Half Term, families will be able to find out what's it's really like to be a gladiator at Gladiator School. There will also be a free drop in to meet Amanda Wah, winner of TV's Gladiators.

There will also be talks from British Museum Curator, Anna Willi and Roman Expert and best selling author Ben Kane. Local artist India Hackett will also lead a creative session to create Roman Frescos.

More information will follow regarding booking and tickets. 

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the British Museum to bring Gladiators of Britain to Grosvenor Museum," Said Maria Byrne, Cheshire West and Chester Council's director of environment and communities.

"This exhibition sets the record straight about the lives of gladiators in Britain and how gladiatorial combat and entertainment took place in Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

"Visitors are in for both a visual and intellectual feast."

Thorsten Opper, curator of Roman Collections at the British Museum, added: "While gladiators have always captured the public imagination, their presence in Britain has been less widely understood.

"Who were these enslaved fighters, and how did they come to be in Britain?

"We are now able to start answering these questions and it is fascinating to see how each venue brings these stories to life."

Opening later this month, admission is free for all. Opening times can be found here.

Gladiators Of Britain is supported by the Dorset Foundation in memory of Harry M Weinrebe and at the Grosvenor Museum by Avanti West Coast (Principal Partner) and Visit Chester (Associate Partner).

Image supplied via Geograph.