In Gladius Maximus, two or more players play the part of patrons who purchase, train and equip a cadre (or "familia") of gladiators and pit them against each other's gladiators in the arena.
Gladiator matches are almost always to the death. Gladiators who survive must deal with nagging injuries from previous fights, but can learn new skills and earn better equipment. The first player to kill off all of his opponent's gladiators or have one of his own gladiators
survive 5 fights (thereby earning fame and freedom) wins the game.
The game models gladiatorial combat between two or more gladiators, including teams.
Combat is broken down into melee combat turns, with each turn consisting of 5 phases:
1. Movement
2. Initiative/Maneuver
3. Attack/Parry
4. Riposte/Counter Parry
5. Remise/Counter Parry
Get the full rules here:
http://www3.sympatico.ca/green27/