Gladiators fought for the entertainment of the crowds in Ancient Rome. By fighting in the arena, gladiators could gain favor and became celebrities in their time. The sport of gladiators lasted for almost 1,000 years. Gladiators were often slaves or criminals, but sometimes were volunteers who willingly participated. If they fought well in the games, they would gain recognition and become celebrities similar to the movie stars or professional athletes of today. They were often depicted in art and other objects, and sometimes even had endorsement deals for products just like modern sports stars.