Bite marks discovered on a Roman skeleton found in York, England, provide the first physical evidence that gladiators fought against big cats during the Roman Empire. The skeleton belonged to a man aged between 26 and 35, who likely died from injuries sustained during gladiatorial combat with a lion. The find confirms that the skeletons buried at the Driffield Terrace cemetery were gladiators, and not soldiers or slaves. The discovery broadens our understanding of Roman gladiatorial practices in provincial cities like York.