Roman gladiators were called 'barley men'
Ancient Roman gladiators, known as 'barley men,' built their legendary strength on a surprising plant-based diet rich in carbohydrates, not meat, to fuel their brutal arena battles.
Forget the image of meat-gorging warriors: Roman gladiators, those fierce arena combatants, primarily ate a plant-based diet. Archaeological evidence from Ephesus reveals they consumed large amounts of barley, often as a porridge called puls, along with beans and vegetables. This high-carb regimen fueled their intense training and battles, aiding in wound healing and muscle repair.
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