CCIV153 Paper 2 Introduction

As gladiators, pitted against one another or the most terrifying of beasts, fought to their impending demise, the audience around them cheered and screamed for more blood, for more death. The gruesome battles of the gladiators were so appealing to the audience that no form of brutality could repel them; instead, it drew them in further, increasing their bloodlust. But how could these crowds be so captivated by the games that even the most basic form of sympathy was not evident? The bloodshed and death mattered little to the Romans, who were intoxicated by the euphoria of the arena. The games were considered a symbol of might and power in Rome, even during times of peace. These games unified people of different classes and wealth under one central idea or goal: entertainment at the expense of men. As a result, people were drawn to the games, not only because of the battles, but also because of the occasion, where they could cast away their individuality and think as a unit.