Believe it or not, some ancient cultures like the Assyrians who used torture and terror as a weapon of war would often hold public torture sessions (flaying alive was a favorite) to acclimate their youth to what was to be expected. Then, of course, there was the Roman arena. When the Colleseum was dedicated, something like a hundred straight days of "games" were held! How I wish I could really go back in time, not just dream.