Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Ludi, Habituation, Pankration

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

Document Summary

Gladiatorial training paradox -> they love gladiatorial games, but they die. They also use gladiatorial games as motivation to have more courage. A christian had a dream the night before she got executed, she was in an arena in a gladiatorial combat, and she was a man about to enter the pankration contest. She wanted to be killed publicly with glory. Games were officially held at funerals, the association with death, the human sacrifices were to honour the dead, often important person. It is not clear why the gladiators fight to the death. Games were always held by private people, it is always a private event. A public (even a king) official would have to do it with their private name. Reasons for munera: virtus ar te excellence manliness, courageous in battle, a good father. Kings associate the fighting for survival with the rebirth festivals of december and march (xmas and easter) though.