Classical Studies 2300 Study Guide - Final Guide: Ludi, Gladiator, Herd Mentality
29 Mar 2017
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Afternoon: gladiatorial combat (only a chance of death) The distance that the animals come from shows rome"s reach of conquest and its expansive empire, officials competed to find the craziest/weirdest thing they could slaughter. We have evidence of hundred of thousands animals slaughtered. Noxii cruelty of roman execution styles evokes modern repulsion (slow, painful death) Christians crucified (sometimes upside down) used as bait for animals (under nero) covered in pitch, crucified within the arena, and set fire to. The games grew from the origin of religious holidays to become spectacular celebrations of divine pantheon to ensure support and prosperity of the state while offering a formalized series of actions that encourage and required a human audience. The games are understood as the offering of the best in human achievement, to not just celebrate the gods but also the state and its leaders. Beast hunts were originally a sacred performance that guaranteed good will to rome"s gods.
