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Age of the Gladiators: Savagery & Spectacle in Ancient Rome
The great spectacles of ancient Rome have become proverbial for their cruelty, bloodlust & glory. In the Arena, the games were savage & brutal. Gladiators fought each other to the death, wild animals were put to fight each other & criminals were executed by barbaric means. Military victories were marked when generals paraded through the city, the defeated were sacrificed to the gods & food & wine was offered free of charge on a lavish scale. Meanwhile the citizens received free bread to prevent hunger & the riots it could provoke. This book looks at these savage spectacles & traces the development from entertainment to hysterical obsession until their eventual decline & disappearance, & explains how they still have influence on contemporary life. Ill.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 15, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 30, 2024
I am no expert on the ancient Rome or gladioators, but this book did actually bring me closer to that period and the origins of the group of people who fought to survive. The Author begins with the general introduction to the times, which is most helpful if you do not read Authors like Professor Dame Mary Beard on daily basis, and then moves on to how gladiators emerged, what techniques they applied, what they wore while on the arena etc. I learnt a lot, and, as a person with general knowledge, I really enjoyed my time with the audiobook and was offered just what I had expected to receive.
*Many thanks to Rupert Matthews, Arcturus Digital Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
*Many thanks to Rupert Matthews, Arcturus Digital Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
January 27, 2010
You're at a dinner party, and you overhear your neighbor discussing gladiatorial games in ancient Rome. You sidle over and slip into the conversation, "Did you know that an ape was once trained to drive a chariot pulled by camels?"
Later, you check in on the teenagers in the basement watching the newly released Blu-Ray version of Russell Crowe's "Gladiator". After Maximus slices through the last of his latest foes, you pipe in with, "Did you know that condemned criminals (and sometimes Christians) were, in fact, thrown to lions, but they were also thrown to crocodiles, wolves, dogs and bears?"
Rupert Matthews' "Age of the Gladiators: Savagery & Spectacle in Ancient Rome" is filled with anecdotes and examples of gladiator styles, equipment, and modes of murder and mayhem throughout the Roman Empire. After reading "Age", you'll have plenty of conversational pocket change to unload on unwitting neighbors, disinterested kids, and half-listening spouses.
The first half of the book focuses on all things gladiator: origins, history, decline, the gladiator and their games, training, types of fighters, naval battles, wild animal hunts, executions as part of games, and then the Colosseum itself. There's also a chapter that provides a nice overview of the world's most famous non-fiction gladiator - Spartacus and his slave rebellion. The second half of the book covers a range of items like circuses, chariot and horse racing, Roman festivals, triumphs, bread doles and starvation, and a random assortment of other topics that generally fall under the heading of "Savagery & Spectacle."
This book, however, is neither erudite nor academic - probably not the best choice as a reference in a doctoral dissertation. It has no bibliography or notes of any kind, and only periodic and passing references to the origination of a quote or tidbit of information. In addition to some questionable analysis, Matthews is oddly repetitive. On the first page of the first chapter (following the introduction), Matthews explains that historically a gladiatorial fight was called munus (munera in the plural) which means obligation. Gladiatorial fights were staged during funeral celebrations and so the fight was an obligation to the dead. Munus and munera are referenced throughout, but inexplicably, in the chapter on Roman circuses midway through the book, Matthews felt it necessary to remind us "If a ... relative died ... a suitably impressive munus, a gladiatorial show, could be staged."
In another display of authorial forgetfulness, Matthews writes how Romulus, one half of the city-founding super-twins, organized a horse race in honor of the god Consus, patron of the harvest. He writes this on page 124...and page 130 - as if it was new information each time.
It doesn't help the books' credibility that he repeatedly refers to Julius Caesars' close friend Mark Anthony. Last I heard, Mark Anthony is married to J. Lo and the closest he's come to Julius is on the blackjack tables at Caesar's Palace. Antony is referenced correctly in a later chapter and in the index, but there's an editor at Arcturus Publishing in the UK who might consider a new line of work...
This book is best viewed as a series of independent essays compiled into a collection of writings on gladiators and spectacle in ancient Rome. If one can overcome the aforementioned foibles, there are some nice info nuggets. I wasn't aware that there was a sort of loose minor league structure within the world of chariot racers. Each factione (Chariot teams consisting of team Red, White, Blue and Green) had an informal relationship with its' counterpart in smaller cities near Rome. Also, riders would, at times, change factiones, not unlike the modern day charioteer Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who recently switched NASCAR teams.
Most people are aware of the depths of Nero's depravity, but Matthews wrote on one incident which was new to me. While the Emperor was preparing to recite an epic poem he'd written about the life of Hercules, an unfortunate thief was caught stealing apples from Nero's gardens. Theft of an Emperor's property was considered treason and so he was condemned to death. Nero had a fantastically efficient idea of combining the recitation and execution. The thief appeared in the final scene in Nero's drama. He was clothed in a coat smeared in pitch and set alight and pushed on stage, emulating (or is that immolating) Hercules' mythological flaming death. Matthews writes, "His searing death agonies formed the triumphal end to Nero's play."
The book contains a map - ostensibly of the Roman Empire at AD 211, and illustrations roughly tied to each chapter. Frustratingly, other than the cover painting called Pollice Verso by Jean Leon Gerome, which I find quite powerful, there are no illustration credits.
If you're going to Italy for the first time and enjoyed the movie "Gladiator", then this is a good enough book to provide you context and background. If you're interest in roman history is relatively new and you're looking for a simple, easy-to-read overview of gladiators and excess, then this book will do. If you're serious about history or looking for detailed analysis, academic perspective, or erudite writing, then you're best bet is to look elsewhere.
And if you're interested in Mark Anthony, I'd recommend People Magazine.
Later, you check in on the teenagers in the basement watching the newly released Blu-Ray version of Russell Crowe's "Gladiator". After Maximus slices through the last of his latest foes, you pipe in with, "Did you know that condemned criminals (and sometimes Christians) were, in fact, thrown to lions, but they were also thrown to crocodiles, wolves, dogs and bears?"
Rupert Matthews' "Age of the Gladiators: Savagery & Spectacle in Ancient Rome" is filled with anecdotes and examples of gladiator styles, equipment, and modes of murder and mayhem throughout the Roman Empire. After reading "Age", you'll have plenty of conversational pocket change to unload on unwitting neighbors, disinterested kids, and half-listening spouses.
The first half of the book focuses on all things gladiator: origins, history, decline, the gladiator and their games, training, types of fighters, naval battles, wild animal hunts, executions as part of games, and then the Colosseum itself. There's also a chapter that provides a nice overview of the world's most famous non-fiction gladiator - Spartacus and his slave rebellion. The second half of the book covers a range of items like circuses, chariot and horse racing, Roman festivals, triumphs, bread doles and starvation, and a random assortment of other topics that generally fall under the heading of "Savagery & Spectacle."
This book, however, is neither erudite nor academic - probably not the best choice as a reference in a doctoral dissertation. It has no bibliography or notes of any kind, and only periodic and passing references to the origination of a quote or tidbit of information. In addition to some questionable analysis, Matthews is oddly repetitive. On the first page of the first chapter (following the introduction), Matthews explains that historically a gladiatorial fight was called munus (munera in the plural) which means obligation. Gladiatorial fights were staged during funeral celebrations and so the fight was an obligation to the dead. Munus and munera are referenced throughout, but inexplicably, in the chapter on Roman circuses midway through the book, Matthews felt it necessary to remind us "If a ... relative died ... a suitably impressive munus, a gladiatorial show, could be staged."
In another display of authorial forgetfulness, Matthews writes how Romulus, one half of the city-founding super-twins, organized a horse race in honor of the god Consus, patron of the harvest. He writes this on page 124...and page 130 - as if it was new information each time.
It doesn't help the books' credibility that he repeatedly refers to Julius Caesars' close friend Mark Anthony. Last I heard, Mark Anthony is married to J. Lo and the closest he's come to Julius is on the blackjack tables at Caesar's Palace. Antony is referenced correctly in a later chapter and in the index, but there's an editor at Arcturus Publishing in the UK who might consider a new line of work...
This book is best viewed as a series of independent essays compiled into a collection of writings on gladiators and spectacle in ancient Rome. If one can overcome the aforementioned foibles, there are some nice info nuggets. I wasn't aware that there was a sort of loose minor league structure within the world of chariot racers. Each factione (Chariot teams consisting of team Red, White, Blue and Green) had an informal relationship with its' counterpart in smaller cities near Rome. Also, riders would, at times, change factiones, not unlike the modern day charioteer Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who recently switched NASCAR teams.
Most people are aware of the depths of Nero's depravity, but Matthews wrote on one incident which was new to me. While the Emperor was preparing to recite an epic poem he'd written about the life of Hercules, an unfortunate thief was caught stealing apples from Nero's gardens. Theft of an Emperor's property was considered treason and so he was condemned to death. Nero had a fantastically efficient idea of combining the recitation and execution. The thief appeared in the final scene in Nero's drama. He was clothed in a coat smeared in pitch and set alight and pushed on stage, emulating (or is that immolating) Hercules' mythological flaming death. Matthews writes, "His searing death agonies formed the triumphal end to Nero's play."
The book contains a map - ostensibly of the Roman Empire at AD 211, and illustrations roughly tied to each chapter. Frustratingly, other than the cover painting called Pollice Verso by Jean Leon Gerome, which I find quite powerful, there are no illustration credits.
If you're going to Italy for the first time and enjoyed the movie "Gladiator", then this is a good enough book to provide you context and background. If you're interest in roman history is relatively new and you're looking for a simple, easy-to-read overview of gladiators and excess, then this book will do. If you're serious about history or looking for detailed analysis, academic perspective, or erudite writing, then you're best bet is to look elsewhere.
And if you're interested in Mark Anthony, I'd recommend People Magazine.
June 14, 2017
PRE-READ:
Films such as 1951's "Quo Vadis', (which actually deserves a '?' being the question "Where are you going ?") and the more recent "Gladiator" of 2000 are as good a place to start as any,being very splendid films striving for Authenticity and leaving the viewer with a definite 'feel' for Ancient Rome. And to some extent Gladiators !! "Spartacus"of 1960 is of course another popular film.
Over the years, more research has enlightened us about Gladiators and their life style. Most of us would have seen this development on TV documentaries.
I recall discovering that the "Thumbs Up"/ "Thumbs Down" ie., Life/ Death meted out at the final stage of a duel was NOT true. And have wondered ever since :"How did they work that out???"
However it still makes it to the cover of this 2003 published book...two women on the right edge of the painting are definitely giving the "Thumbs Down" verdict. The painting, "Pollice Verso" is dated 1872 and does not seem to make it further than the cover. I could not find it in the Index and the Index made me wonder just how much text is devoted to 'The Gladiators'; it is certainly NOT necessarily implied in the book's title.
I am actually expecting little from this book (hope I'm Wrong!!!) ...but I am NOT an expert on Gladiators so will never know anyway. But still, am willing to be further educated and this is one way to go about it. Whatever territory is covered.
POST-READ:
The Age of the Gladiators lasted for SEVEN Centuries...700 years is a very long tradition, and like most long traditions the Fashions changed, were deliberately altered or died out naturally because a source had dried up, or was displaced by a Sudden Idea...but when the Whole Show closed down it was because the Gladiatorial Spectacle had already died, was already displaced by a New Power, an Opposition that had been firmly asserting itself...this was Christianity...and so it died very quickly indeed. Perhaps with a BANG, but it was a Finality !!
Films such as 1951's "Quo Vadis', (which actually deserves a '?' being the question "Where are you going ?") and the more recent "Gladiator" of 2000 are as good a place to start as any,being very splendid films striving for Authenticity and leaving the viewer with a definite 'feel' for Ancient Rome. And to some extent Gladiators !! "Spartacus"of 1960 is of course another popular film.
Over the years, more research has enlightened us about Gladiators and their life style. Most of us would have seen this development on TV documentaries.
I recall discovering that the "Thumbs Up"/ "Thumbs Down" ie., Life/ Death meted out at the final stage of a duel was NOT true. And have wondered ever since :"How did they work that out???"
However it still makes it to the cover of this 2003 published book...two women on the right edge of the painting are definitely giving the "Thumbs Down" verdict. The painting, "Pollice Verso" is dated 1872 and does not seem to make it further than the cover. I could not find it in the Index and the Index made me wonder just how much text is devoted to 'The Gladiators'; it is certainly NOT necessarily implied in the book's title.
I am actually expecting little from this book (hope I'm Wrong!!!) ...but I am NOT an expert on Gladiators so will never know anyway. But still, am willing to be further educated and this is one way to go about it. Whatever territory is covered.
POST-READ:
The Age of the Gladiators lasted for SEVEN Centuries...700 years is a very long tradition, and like most long traditions the Fashions changed, were deliberately altered or died out naturally because a source had dried up, or was displaced by a Sudden Idea...but when the Whole Show closed down it was because the Gladiatorial Spectacle had already died, was already displaced by a New Power, an Opposition that had been firmly asserting itself...this was Christianity...and so it died very quickly indeed. Perhaps with a BANG, but it was a Finality !!
September 3, 2016
Divided into four sections (I: Arenas of Blood; II: Circuses; III: Roman Triumphs & IV: Bread & Debauchery), this book goes beyond the main theme of the title (gladiatorial combat); it depicts the evolvement & the meaning of the gladiatorial games (set into historical context) along with the development of Roman culture surrounding the games over the centuries.
Most siginificantly, perhaps, it also demonstrates the degeneracy of the Roman mind & populace, from the Consuls & Emperors to the lower sects of society, the plebeians. The scope & creative cruelty of the Romans' insatiable bloodlust - not to mention their need to cover themselves with glory in the form of foreign conquests & plundered loot - knew no bounds & is something to behold. For those who seek them, there are important social, moral & ethical lessons to be learned here, no doubt. A most excellent work.
Most siginificantly, perhaps, it also demonstrates the degeneracy of the Roman mind & populace, from the Consuls & Emperors to the lower sects of society, the plebeians. The scope & creative cruelty of the Romans' insatiable bloodlust - not to mention their need to cover themselves with glory in the form of foreign conquests & plundered loot - knew no bounds & is something to behold. For those who seek them, there are important social, moral & ethical lessons to be learned here, no doubt. A most excellent work.
March 19, 2024
Słaba książka - ni to o gladiatorach, ni to o tryumfach. Największe zarzuty, jakie mogę jej postawić, to skakanie z tematu na temat, nieadekwatność tytułu do zawartości i pisanie pod tezę przy jednoczesnym braku bibliografii i skąpej liczbie przypisów, zamieszczonych głównie przez tłumacza (!!). Na plus pierwsze rozdziały, omawiające samą historię instytucji igrzysk i walk gladiatorów w świecie starożytnym.
May 7, 2024
I was highly surprised by this book, I expected it to be only about gladiators and their history but it was actually more focused on the political and social life in Ancient Rome with the first few chapters focusing mainly on Gladiators and then moving onto Chariot Racing and other social events which the organisers used in order to have their political gain.
The book was well written and showed the motion from one to another way in which society moved in terms of celebrations and what impacted them. It went all the way from the beginning of the Roman empire to the fall and how various social events helped to contribute towards the fall of the empire.
The book was well written and showed the motion from one to another way in which society moved in terms of celebrations and what impacted them. It went all the way from the beginning of the Roman empire to the fall and how various social events helped to contribute towards the fall of the empire.
October 13, 2024
This fairly short book doesn't reach the depth of The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire or the political clarity of The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome, but it was a fun read with some neat factoids and implicit historical parallels regarding 'patterns' of imperial decline.
Much of the history was anecdotes of palace intrigue (obligatory shoutouts to Octavian, Caligula's infamous madness, the Caesar-Cleopatra fling, etc.) with repeated references to the "mob" as a populace to be pleased, appeased, or distracted, but there were sprinklings of political economy and broader context (i.e. the material drive toward Roman conquest of Sicily, and why relations between Egypt and Rome were what they were politically, beyond two leaders enjoying each other's company).
Obviously the core of this book was exploring the politicization of sports & spectacle in ancient Rome. It hearkened back for me, to Sociology 101 and Durkheim's concept of collective effervescence---the function of shared purpose and affective stimulation that these ritualized and regular events bring, and all the industry they stimulate. But the broader "structural functionality" was more superficially explored than the gritty details such as the taxonomy of types of armour and weaponry. We follow the journey of animals to the arena, the gathering and performance of gladiatorial 'troupes', the various roles performed, and the equipment used to make it all run. Cool stuff, I admit.
Next to other, bigger works on Roman history, this book felt like the equivalent of dropping by a section of a museum and skimming the blurbs in the display cases: fascinating for casual curiosity more than for any unique pedagogical insight (in my museum studies classes, something that came up often: the difference between "what happened?" and "why should we care?", and how for more casual audience "we're already here and we're curious" might be enough and more would be overbearing, while other perspectives play to a more critical audience).
If someone asked me for recommendations to read about ancient Rome, I'd absolutely mention it---as an aside.
Much of the history was anecdotes of palace intrigue (obligatory shoutouts to Octavian, Caligula's infamous madness, the Caesar-Cleopatra fling, etc.) with repeated references to the "mob" as a populace to be pleased, appeased, or distracted, but there were sprinklings of political economy and broader context (i.e. the material drive toward Roman conquest of Sicily, and why relations between Egypt and Rome were what they were politically, beyond two leaders enjoying each other's company).
Obviously the core of this book was exploring the politicization of sports & spectacle in ancient Rome. It hearkened back for me, to Sociology 101 and Durkheim's concept of collective effervescence---the function of shared purpose and affective stimulation that these ritualized and regular events bring, and all the industry they stimulate. But the broader "structural functionality" was more superficially explored than the gritty details such as the taxonomy of types of armour and weaponry. We follow the journey of animals to the arena, the gathering and performance of gladiatorial 'troupes', the various roles performed, and the equipment used to make it all run. Cool stuff, I admit.
Next to other, bigger works on Roman history, this book felt like the equivalent of dropping by a section of a museum and skimming the blurbs in the display cases: fascinating for casual curiosity more than for any unique pedagogical insight (in my museum studies classes, something that came up often: the difference between "what happened?" and "why should we care?", and how for more casual audience "we're already here and we're curious" might be enough and more would be overbearing, while other perspectives play to a more critical audience).
If someone asked me for recommendations to read about ancient Rome, I'd absolutely mention it---as an aside.
April 15, 2024
What a remarkable book. I’ve never really thought much about gladiators; obviously over the years I’ve seen them depicted in various films and I’m aware of the stories about the arena spectacles, but that’s about it. My interest was piqued by the blurb which made me realise I knew so little so I thought I’d give this audio title a run. Absolutely fascinating. I was gripped from the start by a narrative that goes into the origins, the numerous different types, the cost, the spectacle, the brutality. The narration is well balanced and I found it engrossing.
I’ve learned a great deal. I didn’t know there are so many different categories of gladiator, characterised by their headgear, weapons dress etc. I now understand the origins of those deemed the lowest; they have nets to cast and fight in a specific way. Neither did I appreciate the value of gladiators to those who sold or hired them out for money. It’s been a whole new world and insight into something that’s genuinely fascinating…the brutality aside, of course. Rupert Matthew’s research appears impeccable and there’s a lot of technical detail along with historical fact, but all presented in a way that’s easy to absorb. This slice of social history has proved a revelation and I’ll look at some of the films with a deeper and different perspective.
I’ve learned a great deal. I didn’t know there are so many different categories of gladiator, characterised by their headgear, weapons dress etc. I now understand the origins of those deemed the lowest; they have nets to cast and fight in a specific way. Neither did I appreciate the value of gladiators to those who sold or hired them out for money. It’s been a whole new world and insight into something that’s genuinely fascinating…the brutality aside, of course. Rupert Matthew’s research appears impeccable and there’s a lot of technical detail along with historical fact, but all presented in a way that’s easy to absorb. This slice of social history has proved a revelation and I’ll look at some of the films with a deeper and different perspective.
February 23, 2018
NOT well researched!
Sadly there are better, more accurate books on the subject. I noticed several obvious and not so obvious mistakes before I got a quarter of the way through - e.g. OBVIOUS. "Nero adapted the Colosseum ..." No, it wasn't started till 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD, well after Nero's time. His was a wooden one. Also, "By the middle of the first century AD ...an entire business grew up to recruit, train and maintain gladiators" Well, by Spartacus's time {around 70s BC.) it was certainly already a business. NOT SO OBVIOUS. "Ave, Imperator,morituri te salutant." those about to die, not we. This was only mentioned as having been said once in Latin writings, at a sea battle organised by Claudius. It certainly wasn't a regular thing.
Sadly there are better, more accurate books on the subject. I noticed several obvious and not so obvious mistakes before I got a quarter of the way through - e.g. OBVIOUS. "Nero adapted the Colosseum ..." No, it wasn't started till 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD, well after Nero's time. His was a wooden one. Also, "By the middle of the first century AD ...an entire business grew up to recruit, train and maintain gladiators" Well, by Spartacus's time {around 70s BC.) it was certainly already a business. NOT SO OBVIOUS. "Ave, Imperator,morituri te salutant." those about to die, not we. This was only mentioned as having been said once in Latin writings, at a sea battle organised by Claudius. It certainly wasn't a regular thing.
July 20, 2024
This was an interesting and well structured look at the role of 'Bread and Circuses' in Roman society. Focusing primarily on the gladiatorial games, there are also parts dealing with the chariot races at the Circus Maximus and the religious festivals of Roman culture. I thought the writing was clear and entertaining throughout and although it is a fairly surface level examination, there were still aspects of the history that I was unfamiliar with, which is always fun. Overall, this was a good read and I would definitely recommend it to people with an interest in the topic.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 15, 2024
This is an excellent novel if you are interested in the history of Rome and the role played by the Gladiators. Their role changed and developed over time as the entertained the citizens for free in the grand amphitheatres. These citizens also received free food. What was expected from those in charge for these events and how did they change over time?
This is a really well written and well narrated book. I learnt so much about Rome, her people, her customs, the Gladiators and the eventual fall of the Empire. Interesting and informative and very enjoyable.
This is a really well written and well narrated book. I learnt so much about Rome, her people, her customs, the Gladiators and the eventual fall of the Empire. Interesting and informative and very enjoyable.
January 9, 2019
A book that is a bit of editing and fact checking away from being great. The title is fairly misleading as only about half of the book deals with gladiators, the rest deals with other parts of the famous "bread and circuses." Also disappointed that their are no sources given at all
July 9, 2024
Thank you netgalley for an advanced ARC of this audiobook to Listen to
This was an interesting read about history but not everything was exactly accurate but it was a fun Listen to, this would be good for people who want to learn just a little more on the history of Rome etc.
This was an interesting read about history but not everything was exactly accurate but it was a fun Listen to, this would be good for people who want to learn just a little more on the history of Rome etc.
December 4, 2022
I'm sad now. Poor people.
November 19, 2021
I just got back from Rome and spotted this little book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot about this epoch in history. I was stunned to see that gladiators were around for seven hundred years. I enjoyed learning about the evolution of the games, savage spectacles of 'un-imaginable' brutality, all for the entertainment of the masses in the hope that they would vote for you! The book is well written, simple, no fla-fla, no bogging down (OK, maybe the part on the weapons was a bit dull but at least it was short!). Does boxing and such sports come from this I wonder ...
January 16, 2016
Very good survey and summation of the Games' humble beginnings as minor athletic eventings, hunts and parades, their middle life as chariot races and War Triumphs put on by those with great political ambition returning to Rome from war seeking to gain public favor, to the gladiatorial spectacles it all culminated into run as the sole domain of the Emperors' staging and whims. Easy to get through, sketchy of detail but good in overall scope.
April 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book as it is well written with good flow between chapters and doesn't get bogged down in excessive detail.
The title is a little misleading though. While the first section of the book is focused on gladiators, there are other sections focused on the triumphal entries of emperors and generals, the chariot races, and the dole of bread. These sections were interesting and well written, but didn't seem related to the stated title content.
The title is a little misleading though. While the first section of the book is focused on gladiators, there are other sections focused on the triumphal entries of emperors and generals, the chariot races, and the dole of bread. These sections were interesting and well written, but didn't seem related to the stated title content.
September 17, 2021
I have some issues with this book. Some facts are not correct. Facts which should definitely be just that. The author says Augustus was Caesars nephew. That is incorrect. Augustus was Caesars grand nephew.
There were more of these simple mistakes such as the wrong year of Caesars death which made me skeptical of the rest of the book.
Good information but not sure I can trust all.
A three from me.
There were more of these simple mistakes such as the wrong year of Caesars death which made me skeptical of the rest of the book.
Good information but not sure I can trust all.
A three from me.
April 17, 2012
First the edition I had was very hard to read due to font size. Overall had some very interesting information on gladiators but also covered other aspects of Roman life. Just never seemed to get going or go very deep into the subject. I was somewhat disappointed, only gave it 3 stars due to subject matter interests me very much.
November 15, 2020
For anyone interested in Roman history, the information from this book , is so great, it kept my interest from start to finish.
Descriptions and details were so well written , it makes the reader is right there with the fighters.
The only down side for me , was the print size. It made reading the book a slower read than I like!
Descriptions and details were so well written , it makes the reader is right there with the fighters.
The only down side for me , was the print size. It made reading the book a slower read than I like!
January 25, 2022
Only the first half of the book was actually about gladiators. For there the book flows from tangent to tangent starting with the Circus (hippodrome) then passing onto Triumphs, food production and recipes, parties, and finally the decay of the city of Rome itself.
What started with a clear topic degenerated into what just felt like padding to increase the page count.
What started with a clear topic degenerated into what just felt like padding to increase the page count.
August 20, 2010
I really liked it. It covered most of the span of Roman history going into the origins and the evolution of Gladiators, Chariots, The Triumphs and even the grain needs of Rome. It was quite but left you feeling well covered. Over all I liked it.
October 8, 2016
A good read.
Informative yet enjoyable,worth reading.Could have linked the chapters better as information was repeated sometimes.However this fascinating subject was presented well overall and I will definitely be reading it again in time.
Informative yet enjoyable,worth reading.Could have linked the chapters better as information was repeated sometimes.However this fascinating subject was presented well overall and I will definitely be reading it again in time.
March 15, 2012
Very intense, explicit, gory book. It's a little hard for a middle schooler to comprehend, but still very interesting. I'm going to wait a while to finish it.
April 25, 2021
Nicely written exposition of public spectacles in Rome.
May 27, 2022
The first 3 pages or so of each chapter is actual info, the rest is just repeating random things from earlier chapters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2012
An interesting look at the events of the Roman Empire through several eras.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews