I was highly surprised by this book, I expected it to be only about gladiators and their history but it was actually more focused on the political and social life in Ancient Rome with the first few chapters focusing mainly on Gladiators and then moving onto Chariot Racing and other social events which the organisers used in order to have their political gain.

The book was well written and showed the motion from one to another way in which society moved in terms of celebrations and what impacted them. It went all the way from the beginning of the Roman empire to the fall and how various social events helped to contribute towards the fall of the empire.

It was not easy to make a living in Rome but the citizens did have free entertainment and free food if they needed it. This book gives us so much information relating to the lives of Rome’s citizens and how those in power gained their votes when needed. We learn about the famous Gladiators and how their roles developed to entertain the masses in the grand amphitheaters.

A very well written and well narrated book (I listened to the audiobook). I learned so much by listening to this informative and interesting book. Would recommend to anyone interested in Rome and the eventual end of her Empire.

What a remarkable book. I’ve never really thought much about gladiators; obviously over the years I’ve seen them depicted in various films and I’m aware of the stories about the arena spectacles, but that’s about it. My interest was piqued by the blurb which made me realise I knew so little so I thought I’d give this audio title a run. Absolutely fascinating. I was gripped from the start by a narrative that goes into the origins, the numerous different types, the cost, the spectacle, the brutality. The narration is well balanced and I found it engrossing.

I’ve learned a great deal. I didn’t know there are so many different categories of gladiator, characterised by their headgear, weapons dress etc. I now understand the origins of those deemed the lowest; they have nets to cast and fight in a specific way. Neither did I appreciate the value of gladiators to those who sold or hired them out for money. It’s been a whole new world and insight into something that’s genuinely fascinating…the brutality aside, of course. Rupert Matthew’s research appears impeccable and there’s a lot of technical detail along with historical fact, but all presented in a way that’s easy to absorb. This slice of social history has proved a revelation and I’ll look at some of the films with a deeper and different perspective.