While Rome is being rebuilt, the public demands entertainment! Emperor Nero wants you to sponsor games in the Colosseum, where gladiators will engage in thrilling battles for the enjoyment of the crowds. It's up to you to build ludi, where gladiators can be trained in one of the two competing schools, and arenas, where they can practice. You'll then assign the gladiators to the Colosseum to fight! All the excitement has also brought forth new advisors who offer enticing rewards for those who dare to bribe them...

The Rome & Roll: Gladiators expansion introduces a new Colosseum sideboard, gladiator dice, new shared advisors, a neutral foreman, and new blueprints, God's Favour, and Nero's Bonus cards. Gladiators also adds a fifth asymmetric character class — the Rudiarius, a retired gladiator who has earned their freedom. A veteran of the Colosseum, the Rudiarius can call in favors with his old masters to get ahead.