Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome is thought to be the civilization that has had the biggest impact in world history; it was a political and developmental being that emerged from the city-state of Rome. Throughout time Rome had claimed itself independent and began to spread its kingdom as a republic. After indulging in wars and being ruled by many leaders, Rome began transitioning from its political stance as a republic and expanded into an intimidating empire; thus, the power was now in the possession of the emperor. Rome had many emperors, but according to William E. Dunstan there was an extent of time known as the period of “the five good emperors” (Dunstan 310). During this era, Rome was governed by five adroit leaders in a row, consisting of the following …show more content…
The Roman people came to attend and participate in a variety of events. Many, if not almost all, of these events pertained to some kind of sacrifice, whether it be religious or not. The religious sacrifices that were held at the Colosseum consisted of the beheading of animals and the burning their vital organs as a respect, or gift for the gods. If the animal chosen shows any abnormalities within its organs, then a new animal was to be brought forward and sent through the same process until one was found fit (Rüpke, Jörg). The Romans also came to be entertained by the ritualized, public violence of “gladiatorial combats, hunts, wild animal fights and larger combats such as mock naval engagements” (History.com). Their thirst and excitement for blood battles and death has been viewed as a “sadistic streak in human nature” (Fagan, Garrett). However though, these events, or games, portray the values of life and strength that the Roman people …show more content…
The games were so favorable that strong and fortunate gladiators would become immensely wealthy and glorious. This was appealing to those citizens that were at lower ranks in society. Correspondingly, most of the gladiators were “condemned criminals, slaves or prisoners of war” (Bauman, Richard). However, anyone that was a free citizen was able to fight if they chose to as a way to obtain adoration and prosperity. Gladiators that have survived years of the games retire so that they can prepare and teach the upcoming gladiators their skills and knowledge. Some of the skills, or army tactics, taught were influenced by the Roman army itself; these skills consist of the “tortoise, the wedge, the saw, the skirmishing formation, and the orb” (Roman Army). Although the games were a survival of the fittest type of plight and these tactics are more for an army than one single being, the idea and concepts of these tactics helped some gladiators become victorious. The reason for these gladiatorial tournaments were doubtlessly for the amusement and entertainment of the mass as a whole; however, over a period of time, some of the societal ranks began to lose interest due to how inhuman and merciless the games were. According to KA.,D., and