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 histor[...]

This is a readable, up-to-date, illustrated introduction to the history of sport and spectacle in the ancient world from the Ancient Near East through Greek and Hellenistic times and into the Roman Empire. * Covers athletics, combat sports, chariot racing, beast fights and gladiators. * Traces the [...]

A Companion to Sport and Spectacle in Greek and Roman Antiquity presents a series of original essays that apply a socio-historical perspective to myriad aspects of ancient sport and spectacle.[...]