The Roman Games Historical Sources in Translation [Paperback]

• Draws on the words of eye-witnesses and participants, as well as depictions of the games in mosaics and other works of art.
  
• Offers snapshots of “a day at the games” and “the life of a gladiator”.
  
• Includes numerous illustrations.
  
• Covers chariot-races, water pageants, naval battles and wild animal fights, as well as gladiatorial combat.
  
• Combines political, social, religious and archaeological perspectives.
  
• Facilitates an in-depth understanding of this important feature of ancient life.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

1. The Politics of the Arena.

Origin and Growth of Games.

Games and the Roman State.

Origins of Gladiatorial Combat.

Origins of Wild Animal Shows.

Roman Spectacle Overseas.

Spectacle and Roman Politics.

Politics and Shows.

Costs.

Control.

Violence.

Shows as Political Assemblies.

Imperial Spectacle.

Ordinary Spectacle.

The Emperor and the Arena.

The Emperor as Spectator.

Imperial Spectacle as Political Forum.

Gladiators Outside Rome.

2. The Venue.

Republican Arenas.

No Theaters Please.

Temporary structures in Rome.

Amphitheaters.