Gladiatrix

In Ancient Rome under Emperor Domitian, gladiatorial combat has reached new heights of popularity. The emperor's desire for novelty in the arena has led to the emergence of female gladiators, known as Gladiatrices. Lysandra, sole survivor of a shipwreck off the coast of Asia Minor, becomes the property of Lucius Balbus, who owns the foremost ludus for female gladiators in the Eastern Empire. A member of an ancient Spartan sect of warrior priestesses, Lysandra resists her enslavement. Her combat skills prove deadly and earn her both the crowd's admiration and Balbus's respect. However, her Spartan pride creates dangerous adversaries: Sorina, the Gladiatrix Prima and leader of the Barbarian faction, and Nastasen, a sadistic Numidian trainer. When preparations begin for a grand combat spectacle to celebrate the visit of the emperor's powerful new emissary, Lysandra faces her most dangerous challenge yet.