When i re-watch old movies from the 1940's and 50's, i'm struck by the difference in the leading men's physiques. Supposed tough guys are much older than today's heroes, and considerably less well-muscled. i look at message boards and videos of weight lifters and body builders, and they're constantly talking about carb- and protein-loading, taking creatine, and applying the scientific method to body-building so they can get the most impressive gains possible.
Did people training gladiators in the ancient Roman era have all this knowledge? Did they know that eating protein creates larger muscles? Was the right kind of food even available to help them buff up? Were gladiators actually ripped, muscular monsters, or would we look at them through the lens of history and laugh?
Some similar questions have been asked/answered before, maybe some are close enough? Eg:
Indicating that the ancient world had the knowledge and motivation for people to get totally ripped:
Indicating that (unlike wealthy/athletes) gladiator nutrition could be limited and a layer of fat was better for people actually engaged in combat:
Etc.
If you search the sub for Roman muscles, there are some interesting threads!
/u/Bacarruda has previously answered How were gladiators in the past so "buff", what kind of workout equipment did they have?