With a second Gladiator movie on the way, it’s no surprise that a certain type of tattoo is trending. No point in guessing that it’s gladiator tattoos! In ancient Rome, gladiators, considered slaves, fought against other men, animals, and criminals to entertain a large Roman audience. While they were generally known as ruthless barbarians who fought for survival, the 2000 Gladiator movie told a different story about a man who was willing to do anything to avenge the death of his family and the emperor. We’re now seeing a resurgence of this idea and gladiator tattoos are quickly becoming popular among many men and women who want to express the fighter and protector within themselves. If you’re one of them, the gladiator tattoos mentioned in this article will definitely inspire you for your next ink idea. Check them out now!
Meaning of Gladiator tattoo
Anyone with a rich knowledge of history would love the idea of a gladiator tattoo. These tattoos have a similar theme to warrior tattoos – both make a bold statement and represent strength and bravery. With the historical significance and the beautiful designs, it doesn’t take much convincing to become a fan of this design.
Gladiator tattoos generally represent bravery, strength, and victory. These tattoos can also be done as a tribute to the gladiators of the past. Gladiator tattoos are usually worn by and considered a symbol of machismo and masculinity. Gladiators were slaves who were forced to fight in sword fights to earn prize money, win their freedom, or die a glorious death. So, some use this tattoo to signify that they have won a battle. History buffs and movie buffs can also get this tattoo to show their love for the same.
Additionally, you can change the placement of the tattoo to add more meaning to it. For example, placing the tattoo on your arm, wrist, and upper chest are signs that you are an extrovert. Tattooing in places that can be hidden by clothing shows that you like to hide your strengths. Scroll down to learn the top trending gladiator tattoo styles and placements now!
8 Awesome Gladiator Tattoos
Now that you know how meaningful these tattoos are, here is a list of the 8 most popular gladiator tattoos that will definitely inspire you for your next tattoo. Read on!
1. Roman Gladiator Tattoo
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What makes this Roman gladiator tattoo so special is the unique design of the helmet. The gallant design and the full armor coverage are commendable. This chest tattoo of a gladiator’s side profile is simple yet authentic. The gladiator appears to have his eyes closed, as if saying a final prayer before going into battle. This tattoo can symbolize the wearer’s head-to-head battle with a personal problem. The tattoo is done in a traditional style, with details, heavy shading, a bold outline, and the clever use of negative space. The shape of the tattoo makes it great for the upper arm. You can scale the design and add it to your forearm as well.
2. Spartan Gladiator Tattoo
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The Spartans were warriors that came from Greece while gladiators were Roman. Although the gladiator and Spartan tattoo designs are completely different, many get this type of mixed tattoo as a symbol of bravery and strength. This realistic tattoo on the forearm is drawn with great precision. The metallic rendering of the helmet adds to the beauty of the tattoo while the bronze and red colors add a very royal touch to the design.
3. Small Gladiator Tattoo
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If you like small and minimalistic designs, this is for you. This small tattoo of a gladiator with a helmet carries elements of bravery and strength without being too bulky or overdone. You can scale the tattoo up and apply it to any part of your body. The black and gray color of the tattoo symbolizes the seriousness of the warrior on a mission. The shading is commendable, as it uses negative space to add a metallic sheen to the helmet.
4. Skull Gladiator Tattoo
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A skull tattoo represents the afterlife. Adding gladiator armor to a skull gives the essence of immortal bravery. This tattoo can be done to pay tribute to someone who has fought a long, tiring battle. The hyper-realistic art of a skull with an unbroken helmet is exactly the kind of tattoo every gladiator fan needs. The placement on the upper arm gives your artist a large canvas to work on. You can also get this done on your back.
5. Traditional Gladiator Tattoo
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This traditional gladiator helmet tattoo is truly commendable. Gladiator helmets are generally worn just before going into battle, symbolizing that the wearer is ready to fight against his inner demons. This traditional style in which the helmet is designed carries an element of old world charm. The color palette is made to match any skin tone.
6. American Traditional Gladiator Tattoo
Image: Tattoo of a traditional gladiator helmet on the upper arm
American traditional style tattoos are always in demand. The use of bold lines and vibrant colors adds uniqueness to tattoo designs. This tattoo shows the bust of a gladiator, complete with skin shading, helmet and armor details, and a touch of red for a pop of color. You can place the tattoo on any part of your skin, but the forearm or upper arm makes the tattoo easily visible.
7. Italian Gladiator Tattoo
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Italian gladiators have been around for about 700 years and some historians believe they date back to the Etruscans. If you are a fan of Italian gladiators, you will love this design. This tattoo is a symbol of bravery and excellence on your skin. The watercolor style gives the tattoo a “tale of the past” look. You can add more details to the tattoo and flesh out the background to make it a full sleeve piece if you want.
8. Gladiator Helmet Tattoo
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A gladiator’s helmet carries the entire essence of gladiator armor. Just before a gladiator would go to the Colosseum to fight to the death against an unknown enemy (be it another gladiator, a barbarian criminal, or an animal), it is rumored that they would say a prayer or repeat a mantra to get their mind in the right frame of mind. They would then put on their helmet to signify that they were ready to fight. This helmet tattoo not only symbolizes bravery, but also the willingness to face battle head on with a winning mentality. If you are a die-hard fan of history and gladiators, this watercolor tattoo of a gladiator helmet will definitely inspire you for your next tattoo.
There is no end to how creative you can get with gladiator tattoos. You can play around with gladiator armor, movie quotes, helmet tattoos, and other elements to get your perfect design. The more you look at designs, the better you’ll get a feel for what suits you best. Regardless of the design or tattoo style, if you want a flawless gladiator tattoo, make sure to only get it done by an experienced artist. If this is your first tattoo, make sure you understand the aftercare process before getting it. Taking care of a tattoo is very important to keep it looking fresh. Once you know what to do and have a design ready, there’s nothing stopping you from getting the perfect tattoo on your skin!
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