Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome

by Donald G. Kyle

The elaborate and inventive slaughter of humans and animals in the arena fed an insatiable desire for violent spectacle among the Roman people. Donald G. Kyle combines the words of ancient authors with current scholarly research and cross-cultural perspectives, as he explores
* the origins and historical development of the games
* who the victims were and why they were chosen
* how the Romans disposed of the thousands of resulting corpses
* the complex religious and ritual aspects of institutionalised violence
* the particularly savage treatment given to defiant Christians.
This lively and original work provides compelling, sometimes controversial, perspectives on the bloody entertainments of ancient Rome, which continue to fascinate us to this day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, European History, Mythology

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 1998

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary work written by my History professor at UT Arlington. Thoroughly researched and written with splendid style, exactly as you would expect from such a knowledgeable and masterful educator as Dr. Kyle.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazingly concise and filled with fascinating knowledge and facts. A must read for any student of ancient Rome.

[Jeff Meyers]

Fascinating super in-depth study of the economics, entertainment, and politics of the gladiatorial games in the Roman empire.