The Way of the Gladiator [electronic resource] : Inspiration for the Gladiator Films
Mannix, Daniel P.2024
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The book that inspired the stories of Gladiator & Gladiator II: Step into the ring with this classic, in-depth account of the ancient Romans’ obsession with the bloody and brutal games.Originally published under the title Those About to Die.The games began in 238 BC as nearly county fair–like entertainment, with trick riding, acrobats, trained animals, chariot racing, and athletic events. The contests then evolved into slave fights thanks to wealthy patricians Marcus and Decimus Brutus, who wanted to give their father an unforgettable funeral by reviving an old tradition. What the brothers wrought, Rome devoured, demanding even greater violence to satisfy the bloodlust of the crowd. Architectural wonders in themselves, massive arenas like Circus Maximus and the Colosseum were built, able to host sea battle reenactments on actual water. Successful gladiators found fame, fortune—and freedom.But as Rome began to fall in the fifth century, so did the games, devolving into nothing more than pointless massacres. In the end, millions of humans and animals were sacrificed in barbaric displays. What were once ceremonies given in honor of gods met an inglorious fate, yet they still captivate—in book and in film—the imagination of people today.
Author:
Imprint:
[Place of publication not identified] : Open Road Media, 2024
Collation:
1 online resource (1 text file)
ISBN:
9781504093729
Language:
English
BRN:
1656396
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