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Mosaic Musings...interactive poetry reviews _ Discussions -> Alexandria's Library _ Roman Gladiatorial Games

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Mar 1 04, 17:50

Hi all.

After Charon and I just completed our short story, "Spectacle", I wondered what the reader thought of the Roman Gladiatorial Games of the ancients?

I take the position that is is sickening! BUT - when researching for the story, I learned quite a bit! The spectators often voted whether or not a gladiator would live or die. Caesar most often would go with the Spectators vote.

Thousands would be killed (including animals and the Christians too) in a single game. Most games lasted between 10 -12 days so you can imagine the blood fest that ensued!

Any thoughts?

~Cleo

Posted by: Charon Mar 6 04, 21:36

I can't believe no one has responded yet. However, if you have not seen the Passion yet, go see it, even if you are not a Christian. The brutality of the Romans is plainly displayed. Also the History Channel has a special regarding Pompeii and the discoveries there as well. There was no middle class in the days of the Romans, you were rich, poor, slave or a soldier. A Roman could kill a slave at any time just because the slave accidentally bumped into him or her.

When I read and see things as the above I understand we have moved forward as a speices, however we still have a long way to go.

Butch

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Mar 7 04, 07:43

Hey Butch. :roman:

Next Sunday, March 14 Discovery Channel is airing "Colosseum: A Gladiators Story" and it kicks off the "Bloody Rome Week". Here is their blurb and line-up:

"In ancient Rome, Verus fights his way out of slavery to train as a gladiator. He is chosen to fight in the inaugural games at an extraordinary amphitheatre: The Colosseum.
The games of the Colosseum involved man and beast — and they endured as entertainment for hundreds of years.

Verus was an actual fighter, one of the only gladiators whose battles were recorded for history. This Discovery Channel/BBC co-production will take you through Verus's life — from slave to aspiring gladiator — to his final, epic battle.
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Also airing during Discovery Channel's "Bloody Rome Week":
• Sunday, March 14: 10 p.m., True Gladiators
• Monday, March 15: 8 p.m., Monster House (Roman House); 9 p.m., Monster Garage (Roman Chariot)
• Tuesday, March 16: 9 p.m., Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome
• Wednesday, March 17: 8 p.m., Spear of Jesus; 9 p.m., Antony & Cleopatra: Battle at Actium
• Thursday, March 18: 9 p.m., Barbarians: The Battle for Rome"

Sounds like a few MUST SEE's in here next week!

~Cleo