Part 2/9:
Evidence from archaeological digs in Ephesus revealed gladiator bones with elevated levels of strontium and calcium. The ancient Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, citing the works of Varro, noted the medicinal use of such mixtures among gladiators, as they sought relief from their injuries. Pliny wrote, "For convulsions or contusions of the viscera, let the hearth be your medicine box; for a lye of ashes, taken from thence, mixed with your drink, will effect a cure." This practice laid the groundwork for today’s exploration of gladiatorial hydration.