Both "Spartacus" and "Gladiator" depict gladiators being prostituted to various paying patrons. Is this true or just Hollywood? If so, who would be their clients and how much would they cost?

by misyo

Sorry if this question has previously been asked. I searched for it in the sub but we all know how Reddit's search function sucks.

Edit: I'll just add this here- I'm more interested in men purchasing sexual services from gladiators. I know female sexuality was fairly well controlled. The majority of modern male prostitutes are hired by men; I was wondering if that rang true in ancient times as well. I would assume so since there is evidence than men did solicit male prostitutes, but I'm looking for concrete examples of it happening to gladiators.

Searocksandtrees

u/Celebreth takes a run at this question here (just search 'gladiator sex*' or 'gladiator prostitut*')

Were Roman gladiators used as prostitutes for wealthy Roman women the way they are in Spartacus?

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Agrippa911

I'd add to /u/celebreth's comment that it'd be extremely unlikely for any member of the elite to willingly permit his wife to dally with a gladiator. This risked her fathering a bastard child - one who could then inherit your wealth and family name. And elite Romans being the snobs they were, would be mortified to have a low-born child muddying the family waters.