Quintus Artemis Sertorius 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2005 oh yeah, anyone know about when they started making the gladiatores kill eachother in the ring? i know that during the republic they rarely actually died in the ring. most of them took on the noteriety of modern day sports idols, and they were owned by private gladiator schools that would rent them out for important occasions, but when did the shift from good sport to butchery happen? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost_Warrior 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2005 It never really did, AFAIK. There were people who died, but they were usually executions. The real, trained gladiators didn't usually die (although they did, of course, on occasion). Usually it was up to the crowd and the Emporer if one was to live or die but as gladiators were expensive and compensation was necessary for one killed in the arena, the decision for death was usually not made. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Incitatus 0 Report post Posted September 25, 2005 But it was often made on religious occasions to honour the gods! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost_Warrior 0 Report post Posted September 25, 2005 I believe that's how it started, yes. It was originally a religious affair done on funerals. It later became just sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quintus Artemis Sertorius 0 Report post Posted September 26, 2005 yeah, at one time gladiatorial games were put on in order to celebrate a funeral, but at least in the late republican times they weren't being killed. i just wanted to know when the practice of having gladiators, or prisoners acting like gladiators were forced to fight to the death. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost_Warrior 0 Report post Posted September 26, 2005 I do believe it was in the earlier times when most of the "death matches" were fought. It 'evolved" into a sport later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Incitatus 0 Report post Posted September 27, 2005 They were used to celebrate marriages and birthdays as well as funeral games. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sextus Roscius 0 Report post Posted September 29, 2005 Tharacians for me, more heavily armored must of made for a longer and siller match. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost_Warrior 0 Report post Posted September 29, 2005 More armor=wear out faster=die easier. I prefer lighter armor. Most gladiators fought bare chested. It was a mark of honor for them to show their willingness to die. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Violentilla 0 Report post Posted October 4, 2005 I have a fantasy where I am captured by a horny retarius! Yeah, TMI, I know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites