Promotional Information

Gladiatorial games were the ultimate statement of power in Ancient Roman society, and interest surrounding the subject has resonated throughout history. Gladitorial Games: Theatre of Power and Cruelty provides a fascinating expose of the life of the gladiators and the games themselves.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Cultural Context and Origins of Gladiator Combat 2. Recruitment and Training of Gladiators 3. The Munus in Action 4. Brief History of the Munus 5. Brief History of the Venatio 6. Roman Amphitheater and Colosseum 7. Gladiators in Film

About the Author

Before his retirement, Roger Dunkle was Professor of Classics at Brooklyn College, City University New York. His previous publications include 'Classical Origins of Western Culture' (Brooklyn University Press).

Reviews

"Roger Dunkle's book is singular in its mix of clear, lucid and approachable writing with a meticulous presentation of classical sources and scholarship. This is a thorough and well-organized study of the history of the gladiatorial games from early Republic to Empire; and of the popular role of these games, including their advertisement and how the life or death of combatants was decided. Fascinating and engrossing!" -