In ancient Rome, a gladiator was a slave owing his entire existence to his Dominus or Domina (owner). Rank, privilage, freedom -even his body and will were not his to control outside the arena. He/she was forced to accept those things which could not be changed.

Today, a gladiator’s stoic and resolute acceptance [of life and death] is transformed to form the basis of a moral code where honor and pride are the primary rewards of life.

 

Sacramentum Gladitorium

By this oath you choose honor in the arena
and freedom from slavery.

⚔

I swear to Zeus, Earth, Sun,
All the gods and goddesses, that
The world is my arena. I will…

⚔

Live with honor and integrity.

⚔

Be a loyal friend and generous host.

⚔

Sharpen body & mind to better know
My true self and the universe.

⚔

Meet each challenge without hesitation or self-doubt.

⚔

And never know defeat.
For, though I may fall in battle,
My spirit will not be broken.

⚔

All this, I do swear.
uri, vinciri, verberari, ferroque necari

(“I will endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword”)

⚔

Copyright 2016, David Riggs All Rights Reserved.