Emperor Honorius put an end to the schools for gladiators in the year 399AD. It wasn't until about 404AD however that the gladiatorial games themselves ceased.

One story from the bishop and historian Theodoret recounts that a monk by the name of Telemachus was responsible for the end of the brutal games. During the supposed last game, Telemachus rushed out and yelled, "In the name of Christ, stop!" The crowd was so annoyed at the interruption that they stoned Telemachus to death. It was this monk's act that made Honorius finally decide to ban the games.

Fact or Fiction?
There is a lot of heated debate over Telemachus' story and historians seem divided. Some say that the story could not have been true because no other historian but Theodoret was able to mention of Telemachus' existence and write an account of his brave act. There is however, still a fair number of people who continue to support the story.