The prequel served as a masterclass in character development, fleshing out the origins of fan favorites:

| Term | Meaning | Seen In | |------|---------|---------| | Ludus | Gladiator school & barracks | Every episode | | Lanista | Owner/trainer of gladiators | Quintus Batiatus | | Doctore | Head trainer (often a freedman) | Oenomaus | | Primus | Top-ranked fighter | Gannicus | | Munus | Funeral games (main plot driver) | Entire series | | Pollice Verso | Thumb gesture for kill/spare | Finale episodes | | Rudis | Wooden sword of freedom | Gannicus’ reward |