Quote Originally Posted by thir View Post
I watched a program about the first finding of a grave with gladiators, and about all the deductions from this find.
The problem with all these finds of historical importance is the fact that they throw a lot more questions into the equations than answers. History is written on a daily basis, and as we find other ways of supporting or contradicting what we believe to be true it is re-written. Theories and deductions reference the worlds history are being thrown about all the time, but unless you are into the minds of those that were there at the time then the truth will never be perfect.

Quote Originally Posted by thir View Post
Thinking about a talk on what civilization is: can the Romans, who watched this, be said to be civilized? They had their circuses all over their empire, it was a big thing.
They were the Civilised people at the time in Europe and that is not in doubt, but compared to today they were barbaric in their justice and discipline. Their circuses and Amphitheatre were no more than worse than live pornographic shows except people died in horrific ways. It is also written that the people that attended these theatres and sat in the 10 cent seats, were intimidated into going there by the thought of ending up as part of the show themselves at a later date.

Which brings about the question, was it the Roman population sitting in the 10 cent seats that were civilised, and the emperor, senators and their families that organised the orgy of death that were un-civilised?

Quote Originally Posted by thir View Post
The people in the program seemed to think that the gladiators were there voluntarily. As far as I know this is nonsense, but say that they were: could the gladiators then be said to be civilized?
The Gladiators were once sitting in the 10 cent seats, but due to being found guilty of some crime, they were given the chance to fight for their freedom in the arena. Yes the Gladiators were civilised but turned into animals for the amusement of the Emperor of the day. To think the Gladiators volunteered to be mauled by Tigers and Lions is obscene.

Be well IAN 2411