"Achondroplasia Gladiator" Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France

A Roman representation of a gladiator with signs of achondroplasia (short limbs – relatively large head – prominent musculature – adult male genitals – etc.) conveys the wrong notion that such individuals are virtually “strong and normal”. In fact, they have serious spine-neurologic complications, as well as static or progressive hydrocephaly.