EPISODE 31 Gladiators in Ancient Rome (Part 2): The Spirit of the Gladiator
Feb 14, 2018
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In this podcast, the hosts discuss the paradoxical relationship between gladiators and Roman society, the attraction some women had towards gladiators, the controversy of gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome, the violent nature of Roman society, and the inspiring power of combat sports. They also thank their sponsors and tease the next episode.
Gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome was a reflection of the culture's violence and power.
The gladiatorial games served as a celebration of Rome's military triumphs and showcased conquered nations.
The fascination with gladiators stemmed from their embodiment of stoic philosophy and their ability to face death with courage and resilience.
Deep dives
The fascination with gladiators in ancient Rome: a reflection of a brutally harsh society
Gladiatorial games in ancient Rome mirrored the culture's cruelty and violence, which was deeply ingrained in society. Roman society was known for its harsh military discipline, slavery, and wide-ranging paternal powers. Life in Rome was brutal, with violence openly present in all aspects of daily life. Gladiatorial fights were not an isolated phenomenon, but rather a part of a larger culture of violence and power. The games provided an outlet for the expression of aggression and rage, serving as a cathartic release for the frustrations of individuals living in a violent society.
The celebration of Rome's success: a display of conquest and power
The gladiatorial games also served as a celebration of Rome's success and power. The games brought together animals from the conquered lands and showcased prisoners of war from various campaigns as gladiators. This display of conquered nations and their people served as a reminder of Rome's military triumphs. The games were a reflection of the tradition of triumphs for Roman generals, where conquered wealth, people, and cities were paraded as a symbol of military conquest. Thus, the games became a form of celebrating Rome's militaristic achievements.
Gladiators as a reflection of Rome's militaristic society
The fascination with gladiators in ancient Rome can be attributed to the deep connection between gladiatorial combat and Rome's militaristic traditions. Gladiatorial games were seen as a symbol of valor and fear, creating a sense of discipline and bravery in the Roman population. The games reinforced the military ethos and served as a reminder of the consequences faced by defeated soldiers. Gladiators represented the ideals of Roman society, intertwining military glory, conquest, and violence as central elements in Roman culture.
The attraction of gladiators and the link to the fascination with violence in modern society
The fascination with gladiators in ancient Rome continues to captivate modern audiences due to our ongoing fascination with violence. Gladiatorial combat provides an outlet for our primal fascination with bloodshed, while also serving as a reflection of our deep-rooted cultural connections to violence. Gladiators offer an avenue to explore themes of bravery, valor, and the celebration of physical strength. The allure of gladiators lies in their embodiment of these virtues and their ability to captivate audiences through their willingness to face death courageously.
The Gladiators: Celebration of Bravery and Defiance
The gladiators in ancient Rome were not just victims of sadistic entertainment, but also a celebration of bravery and defiance. Despite the bloodthirsty nature of the games, there was a significant percentage of volunteer gladiators during imperial times. Elite Romans even gave up their privileges to become gladiators themselves. The admiration for gladiators stemmed from their ability to face death without flinching and to find joy in the battle itself. The gladiators embodied stoic philosophy, exhibiting a spirit that laughed in the face of death and embraced the present moment. The games provided a master course in stoicism, teaching spectators how to face suffering, unfairness, and death with courage and resilience.
Inspiration and the Gladiatorial Games
The popularity of gladiators among ancient Romans and the continued fascination with combat sports today can be attributed to the inspirational aspect of these spectacles. Like modern sports, gladiatorial fights provided powerful moments of elevation that wiped out cynicism and instilled feelings of hope, love, and moral inspiration. The spectators at these games celebrated the courage and struggle of the gladiators, allowing them to live vicariously through the fighters and experience a cathartic connection with their own desires and fears. The gladiators' ability to face death without fear and to make the most of the present moment inspired others to embrace a stoic attitude, find meaning in the face of annihilation, and live a life free from the slavery of fear.
“I needed money for wine” Titus Pullo in HBO’s series Rome
“We can live vicariously through that moment, or use it to fuel what we desire in life.” Jake Rossen
"You must die erect and invincible. What difference will it make if you gain a few more days or years? We are born into a world in which no quarter is given." Seneca
“He who has learned how to die has learned how not to be a slave.” Seneca
"Joy... is the victim's revolt and revenge against dishonor and powerlessness." Carlin Barton
Ancient Romans were obsessed with gladiatorial combat. In this two-part series, we time-travel back to get a sense of what the Games (of which gladiatorial combat was the main attraction) were like. In this episode: how gladiators were both superstars and despised outcasts at the same time, gladiators’ groupies, Marcus Aurelius’ wife taking a bath in gladiator’s blood, Commodus and his 620-0 record in the arena, the clash between Christianity and gladiators, the evolution of MMA in the early 1990s, having your violent cake and eating it too, gladiatorial video games, Titus Pullo’s badassery, Conan’s prayer (The video of my daughter mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJIh5zNfmm8), the Red Hot Chili Peppers, MMA fighter Enson Inoue, gladiatorial combat as a master course on Stoicism in action…
