The Rise of Gladiator-style Fights in Early 18th Century Edinburgh

In the early 18th century, Edinburgh, like much of Britain, witnessed a peculiar form of entertainment: public duels fought by gladiator-like figures. These events, often brutal and theatrical, became a cultural phenomenon. They served as both entertainment and an avenue for combatants to prove their skill and honor. This phenomenon emerged at a time when society was grappling with the intersections of class, honor, and violence. The public duel, often fought with swords or rapiers, symbolized a raw form of manliness and respect in a rapidly changing world.

The Origins of Gladiatorial Combat in Britain

The practice of public dueling was not unique to Edinburgh; it was widespread across Britain. These duels, referred to as "gladiator fights," were a legacy of the ancient Roman games but transformed to suit the sensibilities and honor culture of early modern Britain. By the late 17th and early 18th centuries, London was the heart of such spectacles. Duels were held in venues like the Bear Garden and the amphitheater in Oxford Road, where the public could witness men fighting to test their skill, strength, and resolve.