Gladiators were called Barley men (or Barley boys) Because of their high intake of beans, barley and wheat. Making them mostly vegetarian. Scientists have studied the bones of some gladiators and found little evidence of meat and dairy in their diet. Although this likely varied depending on the region they were located. Gladiators would have been feed what was available and affordable. The high carb diet led to gladiators bodies being muscular and a little fatty. That extra meat ment more protection around vital organs.