What was the Roman's favorite sport?

Answer 1

In the time of the Roman Empire, the favorite spectator sport was probably Chariot Racing. There were four established teams of racers, named for the color of their clothing (Blues, Greens, Whites and Reds). The races drew huge crowds, and passions could run high. It is recorded that a fan of the Reds once actually threw himself on the pyre during a funeral for one of the Red drivers.

The other popular sport, if you want to call it that, during Imperial times was gladitorial combat to the death.

Answer 2

If considered a sport, the Roman Gladiator battles were all the rage. Thousands of people would come to see the fights. Whole families in fact. Gladiators (Latin gladiatores) were professional fighters in ancient Rome who fought against each other, wild animals, and slaves, sometimes to the death, for the entertainment of spectators. These fights took place in arenas in many cities during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

Chariot racing was also a common happening. They also wrestled, boxed and played ball games. It would seem though, that the favorite was the gladiator battles.