Roman Games - Base of Power for Sponsors

Ancient Romans knew they could watch gladiatorial games wherever they traveled in the empire. Aristocrats, especially those seeking political power, spent a great deal of money trying to outdo games sponsored by competitors.

To purchase a single lion, a game sponsor would spend the equivalent of an annual salary for 250 soldiers.  Historians tell us that people bankrupted themselves by overspending on spectacular games.

Animals were used to fight each other and to kill criminals who met their deaths in the arena.  The message of power, witnessed by spectators, was not subtle.  If Rome’s authority could be used in such a way over others, it could be similarly used over them.

Credits

This clip is from Beasts of the Roman Games (a BBC documentary using ancient sources, modern excavations, expert interviews and recreated scenes).  Online, courtesy BBC Worldwide Channel at YouTube.