George John Wythe-Melville (1821–1878) was a famous Scottish novelist; soldier, sportsman and prolific author of the Victorian era, famous for his sporting, social and historical novels, and books about hunting. As one of the most authoritative dressage experts of the 19th century, he wrote a valuable work on the art of horsemanship (“Riding on Memories”), and also published an unforgettable poetry collection “Poems and Songs.” His books, with their stamp of authenticity, liveliness, romantic charm and chivalrous ideals, attracted the attention of many readers, among whom were many sports fans. The writer died as a result of a hunting accident. The novel “Gladiators,” published in this volume, reflects an interesting period of history - the confrontation between Rome and Judea. Against the background of the complete decomposition of all layers of Roman society, where vice, superstition and brute force reign, the author skillfully, with undoubted knowledge of the era and fidelity to historical facts, describes the morals and customs of the gladiatorial “family”, admiring the physical strength, courage and stoicism of its representatives.