We researched the legends about Gladiator Sweat; here’s what we found

According to many unverified sources and “reports”, gladiators were covered in oil before the games so that they can be scrapped later with a strigil to collect all the sweat, blood, skin and dirt that was accumulated on the body of the gladiators during the games. That body grime was then sold as an aphrodisiac or remedy for cure, or as a perfume ingredient.

Let’s start with the facts

The truth hides somewhere in the corridors of the gymnasiums. The gymnasium (Greek: γυμνάσιον, gymnásion) in Ancient Greece served as a training center for participants in public athletic competitions. It was also a hub for social interaction and intellectual activities. The term derives from the Ancient Greek word gymnós, which means "naked" or "nude." Access to these facilities was restricted to adult male citizens.

Athletes trained and competed without clothing, a practice believed to honor the gods and to promote the aesthetic appreciation of the male physique. Gymnasia, along with palaestrae (wrestling schools), were dedicated to the protection and patronage of Heracles, Hermes, and in Athens, Theseus.

The image of an athlete oiling himself before exercise in the gymnasium or wrestling ground is a defining symbol of Greco-Roman antiquity. Even in today's sports-focused society, it's difficult to fully grasp the significance of the gymnasium to a Greek city and the high status of its administrative officials.

The gymnasium was so pervasive that it could be considered a cornerstone of Greek civilization. Olive oil was used by everyone exercising in the gymnasium and was not seen as a luxury but as an essential part of maintaining good health, with its benefits widely recognized.