The Roman Games: Historical Sources in Translation

by Alison Futrell (Editor)

This sourcebook presents a wealth of material relating to every aspect of Roman spectacles, especially gladiatorial combat and chariot racing.

Genres: History, Ancient History, Nonfiction

270 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Anibal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Blackwell Publishing series’ “Historical Sources in Translation” is a true treasure for the student of particular periods, personalities or subjects such as Alexander the Great or the ancient Near East. This volume is dedicated to the Roman Games, and just like the other books, it gives translations of many important texts and epigraphic inscriptions with useful comments by Alison Futrell. Instead of just “receiving” the information as a “fact”, the reader/student can understand where we get the information. He can feel the source and it will transport the reader to the life and minds of those who experienced the Roman Games.

Several aspects are detailed including the beginnings of the games and the political importance; the venues where the games were displayed both temporary and permanent, in Italy and throughout the empire, why there were much more venues specifically dedicated to munera in the western world; how a typical day at the games was and what qualified as good or bad spectacle; how did gladiators live, how they’ve become gladiators, what was their survivability rate; the persecutions of the Christians and the details regarding the games we can find out in the martyr acts and other Christian texts; the author also gives some information regarding chariot races, water displays, fan clubs and spectator violence among many other issues. It is well annotated and have a nice further reading guide and timeline of roman history (highlighting relevant games’ related events).

There are some minor mistakes such as stating that the colony of Urso in Baetica is situated in modern day Portugal (in fact it is in Spain, in Osuna), but it’s a wonderful way to get acquainted with some primary sources and learn about the Roman games.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ducked reading about half the book for my elective but read enough for that class to get the gist of the book without reading it all :)