Did plant-based diets fuel the mighty gladiators of ancient Rome? The debate continues, from ancient history forums to documentaries like The Game Changers (2018). Some even argue that these legendary fighters were vegan, challenging our understanding of strength, endurance, and the benefits of a vegetarian diet.
These claims surprised me, so I wanted to investigate further and check their authenticity. The “story” aspect of “history” can often take precedence over reality. But the claim about what the gladiators ate isn’t just a historical issue; we also need to look at the science behind the assertions.
Although scholars have differing opinions on the matter, it is clear that The Game Changers selectively interpreted data from a gladiator burial site at Ephesus in modern-day Turkey to construct a narrative.
The diet of gladiators was primarily plant-based. They ate a lot of grains such as barley and legumes. That does not me…
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