Which phrase is used by gladiators as a greeting?

The phrase used by gladiators as a greeting is "Nos morituri te salutamus," which translates to "We who are about to die salute you." This phrase reflects the dire circumstances faced by gladiators as they prepared for combat in the arena, acknowledging their potential fate. It captures both the gravity of their situation and the respect they showed to the spectators and those in positions of power, such as the emperor.

This greeting is particularly famous because it highlights the honor and bravery associated with gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome. The use of this phrase would typically occur before a match, elevating the tension and solemnity of the moment, as the gladiators saluted their audience, potentially for the last time.

In contrast, the other options, while all significant in their own right, do not serve as greetings from gladiators. "Veni, vidi, vici," famously attributed to Julius Caesar, means "I came, I saw, I conquered," and is more about triumph than an acknowledgment of the impending fight. "Pollice verso," meaning "with a turned thumb," refers to the gesture used to signal the fate (life or death) of a defeated gladiator and does not function as a salutation. "Carpe diem