Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Ludi, Jab, Lusus

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2300
• Professor: David Lamari

Document Summary

First paradox: romans simultaneously accept the brutality of these spectacles and show real concern, interest and affection for the gladiators being put in harms way. Second paradox: upper class admires the gladiators. Christians made use of the terminology and imagery but they strongly commanded fellow christians to not only not participate, but not only go in to the theatre. Story of an individual walking past the theatre and decided to go in just once and he became addicted. People wanted their executions to be public, just like gladiators. If someone dies, you do your duty (munera) to give them a funeral. This term became one for gladiatorial combat. Before the christians, there was no one who profess astonishment that people find entertainment in gladiatorial combat. Even those who were opposed to it, enjoyed it. Either: campanians south of italy. Images in tombs depicting gladiators: etruscans north of italy.