While examining the first gladiator bones ever found, forensic anthropologist Fabian Kanz spots a small but unmistakable detail in a skull. Appearing to have healed, the scarring on the bone suggests some gladiators may have received the best medical care available to Ancient Romans. Contrary to popular belief, not all gladiators were prisoners or slaves forced to fight to the death. Some were free men who trained and conditioned as professional athletes to fight in the ultimate arena: the Colosseum.