In ancient Rome, gladiatrices were female gladiators who fought in the arena, a rare spectacle designed to shock and entertain. Though far fewer in number than their male counterparts, these women donned armor, wielded swords or tridents, and engaged in deadly combat, sometimes against animals or other women. Records mention performances under emperors like Domitian. Statues and inscriptions confirm their existence, though they remained a curiosity rather than a norm. Some saw them as scandalous