Was being a gladiator cruel

Yes, being a gladiator was often a cruel and brutal existence. Gladiators faced harsh training conditions and lived under the constant threat of injury or death in the arena. While some gained fame and admiration, many were treated as property and forced to fight against their will, leading to a life filled with violence and suffering. The spectacle of gladiatorial games was designed for entertainment, often at the expense of the fighters' humanity.