Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Gladiator, Roman Art, Stanley Kubrick
Document Summary
Gladiators and their armour appear on lamps, glass, bowls, mosaics. Mosaic in someone"s house - commemoration of their role in organizing combat as editor. Physical size, weapon skills, ability to inflict harm. Spartacus" rebellion 73-71 bce began in a gladiatorial school. In periods of civil unrest, the romans broke up the gladiatorial schools and deported them back to their own country. Caesar was feared because of the 5000 gladiators he owned in italy. Gladiators who managed to retire were often hired as bodyguards and bullies. So far gladiators - admiration, fear, and secual attraction - their position was very complex. Popular gladiators had large followings of women. Empress faustina (married to marcus aurelius) had an adulterous affair with, and bore the child of, a gladiator. Necklace found on female body in the gladiatorial barracks of pompeii. Soon fused with/eclipsed by the political aspects. One could give games to suit one"s own political calendar.