It's fascinating to me that gladiator-specific armor and equipment was created, distinct from the stuff used for warfare. Gladiator armor was not only suited to an entirely different combat scenario (small duels versus fighting in formation), it was also designed for flash and spectacle, delighting a crowd of onlookers.

Visual clarity was emphasized to communicate posture or intent from a distance, and you can see that that expressed in the head ornamentation with the large frills. Not to mention it just looks so badass.