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Top 51 Gladiator Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]
It’s been said that for a gladiator to die well, he must never cry out nor beg for mercy in combat. The dishonor of defeat and weakness was only deemed noble by spectators though a good death.
You might be surprised to know that back in ancient Rome, Emperors performed as gladiators themselves, such as Titus, Caracalla, and Didius Julianus among others.
Though, their level of risk was far less and more suited for public support than the true gladiators. In reality, for common gladiators, death was imminent by the tenth match or around the age of thirty.
This quote from the gladiator’s oath might put things in perspective as to why, “He vows to endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword.”
In the Amphitheaters like the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, these combatants were the epitome of martial ethics and celebrated with inspired admiration. In fact, as popular entertainers they were often depicted in renowned artworks and prime city sculptures.
However, what might surprise you is that these gladiators weren’t just battling wild animals or condemned criminals, the truth is some were merely volunteers! If there was a truer definition for the word bravery, that just might be it.
Why volunteer? Well, it was a last effort way to improve legal or social standing by risking your life. Not to mention the rewards such as ones from Tiberius, who offered $500,000 (100,000 sesterces). And Nero, who awarded property to those who triumphed in the arena. Others like Mark Anthony, provided paid positions as personal guards.
Take a trip back to ancient Rome with these top 50 best gladiator tattoos for men. Discover masculine amour, weapons, and the aurora of fighting in the amphitheater. You’ll be inspired with the idea of bravery and explore ink designs that showcase it flawlessly.
1. Gladiator Film Tattoos
Starring Russell Crowe and released in the year 2000, Gladiator follows a betrayed Roman general who ends up fighting as a gladiator, eventually upsetting the civil order and clashing with a corrupt Emperor. The dramatic scenes of gladiator combat complete with chariots, tigers, armor and weaponry are perfectly suited for tattoos and these pieces demonstrate what is possible when drawing inspiration from film.
2. Gladiators in Combat Tattoos
By far, the most defining element in the life and philosophy of the gladiator was combat. These warriors—whether captured soldiers, slaves or condemned criminals—were pitted against each other in mortal combat with all the world watching. The images of gladiators swinging swords and plunging spears into the flesh of other is not for the faint of heart, but they certainly make for compelling tattoos, and these black and gray pieces are excellent examples.
3. Upper Arm Gladiator Tattoos
By far, the most defining element in the life and philosophy of the gladiator was combat. These warriors—whether captured soldiers, slaves or condemned criminals—were pitted against each other in mortal combat with all the world watching.
The images of gladiators swinging swords and plunging spears into the flesh of other is not for the faint of heart, but they certainly make for compelling tattoos, and these black and gray pieces are excellent examples.
4. Upper Arm, Shoulder and Chest Pieces
The upper arm is a popular place to get tattoos for a couple reasons. First of all, tattoos here are easily displayed by wearing a short sleeve shirt or tank top, but the placement is not so prominent that it cannot be completely covered either.
People also place tattoos here because the large size of the bicep muscle can create a great canvas on which to apply ink. The aggressive nature of these gladiator pieces is perfect for this large, masculine tattoo location.
5. Gladiator and Roman Helmet Tattoos
While the upper arm is a great location for tattoos, for anyone willing to offer more skin to a design, the arm, shoulder and chest provide an excellent canvas. These tattoos demonstrate the way that an interesting design can stretch across the body, creating a more dynamic tattoo that effectively makes use of the natural lines of the body. As we can see, the developed musculature of the pectoral, bicep and shoulder muscles all work together to help these tattoos look even better.
6. Full Arm Sleeve Gladiator Tattoos
Some people prefer to use their entire arm as a canvas for their body art, and these full sleeve tattoos show just how compelling gladiator designs can be when given room to breathe. Full sleeve work is also notable for the way an artist can use the entire length of the arm to let the tattoo tell a story: a number of concepts can be utilized to draw the observer’s eye up and down the arm, creating a more dynamic tattoo.
7. Gladiators Battling Big Cats Tattoos
Wild animals were involved in the gladiatorial tradition as well. Usually animals would be pitted against each other, being starved and then forced to fight, although sometimes they would battle gladiators in what were called ventianoes, or “wild beast hunts”. These black and gray pieces perfectly capture both the warriors and the big cats involved in these clashes.
8. Greco Roman Classical Tattoos
The photo-realistic effect created through the use of black and gray ink in these tattoos perfectly captures the chiseled lines and dramatic gazes of the warrior’s faces in these classical depictions of gladiators in battle.
9. Gladiator Tattoos
These tattoos use black and gray ink to create designs that capture the intricacies of the armor, weapons and backgrounds of these fierce warriors. From the stylized and distinct helmets of the different gladiator classes, to the rays of light gleaming off their armor, these tattoos demonstrate what a talented artist can do with gladiators as inspiration.
10. Gladiator Tattoos Featuring the Roman Coliseum
The quintessential Roman structure, the Coliseum is a massive limestone amphitheater that was used for gladiator combat, animal hunts and larger scale mock battles like naval exercises. These tattoos perfectly capture the unmistakable fresco of this ancient building that saw unfathomable bloodshed over the course of its centuries of use.
Gladiator Tattoo FAQs
What does a gladiator tattoo symbolize?
While the historical details of these iconic warriors is a bit more complex than was previous understood, the symbolism that gladiators hold is straightforward. While some gladiators did fight for their freedom, the majority never lived to see their 10th fight, with few making it past thirty years old. Thanks to their fearless nature and bravery in the face of certain death, gladiators have come to be powerful symbols of allegiance, loyalty and duty.
These fiercest of warriors battled each other and wild animals, all in the hopes of entertaining the ruling class and perhaps making it out of the crucible alive. Their unwavering loyalty and skill in combat has made gladiator tattoos popular with those in the military and law enforcement, who use the gladiator as a symbol of their own duty to country, community and their fellow soldiers and officers.
Were all gladiators slaves and criminals?
While the common conception of Roman gladiators is that they were slaves and criminals sentenced to battle to the death as both punishment and entertainment, it is only part of the story. Over the course of the 1000 years of the Roman Empire the cultural institutions that shaped society evolved, and gladiatorial combat changed accordingly.
Rome’s endless wars of military conquest provided a never–ending supply of prisoners of war, and for many years these former soldiers were fodder for the gladiatorial process, as well providing manual labor in mines and being sold to the public as slaves. The Romans saw anyone who surrendered or survived combat to have been given an unwarranted gift of life, and becoming a gladiator was a way to regain lost honor.
As time passed and Rome’s wars waned, the combat arena’s use as punishment for crimes became more common. Volunteers also became more prominent and it is believed that by the Late Republic era they may have accounted for half of all gladiators. For the poorest classes, gladiator school offered employment, food, housing and a chance (as slight as it was) at fame and fortune.
As we can see, gladiators were a much more complex and diverse group of people than the criminals and slaves that were previously thought to comprise their ranks.
Did you enjoy these gladiator tattoos but want more sword and sandal inspiration? Click on the galleries below to check out other great ink ideas featuring Romans and warriors:
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
