Gladiators 'fat vegetarians'

[Viggen]

Austrian researchers reported on Tuesday that the gladiators of Ancient Rome were probably fat vegetarians. The Austrian Archaeological Institute is heading excavation work at the gladiator cemetary in the ancient city of Ephesus, which is located on the west coast of today's Turkey.

 

Analysis of trace elements in bones have led to the findings. "First spot probes probably confirm the handed-down story that they nourished themselves as vegetarians", said Karl Grossschmidt of Vienna Medical University institute of histology and embryology.

 

He added that the gladiator cemetary at Ephesus is considered unique in the world, containing the bones of about 70 individuals. But some of the graves had been robbed, and the skeletons were no longer complete. Much of the research so far has focused on studying the bones for evidence of the kinds of injuries suffered by gladiators in the arena.

 

Now, the Medical University and Vienna University institute of analytical chemistry are studying the bones for evidence of what the gladiators ate. "The composition of trace elements in the bones allows conclusions about what kind of nourishment the people mostly took during their lives," said Grossschmidt. The proportions of fish, meat, grain, fruit and berries could be determined.

 

First results indicated that the gladiators' main foods were beans, legumes (vegetables), and certain types of fruit. This filling mixture would confirm the historical accounts that the fighters were obese. To a certain extent, a good layer of fat also gave protection against buffets and blows.

 

However, it is no longer possible to estimate the weight of a person from bones of so long ago, researchers say. The Austrian research has already attracted international interest, with a major London newspaper report about the fat gladiators. Further contributions are planned by British, German and Japanese TV stations. - Sapa-dpa

 

Edited by Tisha Steyn

 

from news24.com