Historian A: Mary Beard – Social Perspective "Mary Beard argues that gladiators were primarily symbols of Roman social control and entertainment. She emphasizes that their role in the arena reflected the values of Roman society—bravery, strength, and the importance of spectacle. Gladiators, in her view, were celebrated figures that reinforced social hierarchies and Roman ideals of power. She suggests that their popularity among the masses helped maintain social order by providing a shared cultural experience that distracted and pacified the populace. Beard highlights that gladiatorial combat was more than just entertainment; it was a display of Roman social identity."

Historian B: Keith Hopkins – Economic Perspective "Keith Hopkins contends that gladiators were integral to the Roman economy, especially as a commodity. He points out that the production, training, and provisioning of gladiators involved significant economic resources. Hopkins explains that gladiatorial games were costly events funded by wealthy elites and state officials, serving as a means of demonstrating wealth and political power. He emphasizes that the economic implications extended beyond entertainment, affecting social relationships and economic structures within Roman society. Hopkins sees gladiators as part of a broader economic system that supported Roman social and political stability."