Sweat as a Commodity
Historical records reveal an intriguing facet of Roman culture: certain women believed in the aphrodisiac qualities of gladiators’ sweat. They willingly paid for vials of this prized substance. This unconventional belief stemmed from the notion that wearing the sweat as a perfume or even ingesting it would confer enhanced fertility and heightened allure. Sweat was scraped from a gladiator’s body using a strigil. This practice, reflecting the ancient fascination with unique sources of power and attraction, offers a glimpse into the intricate interplay between superstition and desire in that era. Amid the grandeur of the gladiatorial spectacle, the aura of these fighters extended beyond the arena, intertwining with notions of physical potency and charm that captivated the imaginations of Roman society.