Selfie-stick-waving influencers may feel like they are breaking new ground, but did Roman gladiators beat them to it by more than 2,000 years? Making it big on Instagram and TikTok promises income, acclaim - and healthy brand sponsorship deals. Some of which would have been familiar to a Roman gladiator.

But, of course, the stakes were a little higher for the average sword and sandals slingers. While modern-day influencers chase likes, gladiators fought, occasionally in the death, for their freedom. Which would certainly add a bit more spice to the vacuous online world of TikTok dance crazes and unboxing videos.