How might you explain the existence of gladiatorial combat in the highly developed roman civilization?

Answer 1

The Romans liked to see good gladiatorial fights like many people like to see good boxing or Wrestling fights nowadays. Also let us not forget about getting animals to fight each other as in dog fights, cock fights and the like. They may not involve humans, but they are cruel, even more cruel than the gladiatorial combats.

There is a common misconception about the gladiatorial combats which is promoted by movies. Initially, gladiators fought to the death when the fights were part of a funerary ritual imported to Rome. However, this changed when Julius Caesar turned the combats into public games (entertainments). The missio ((the sparing of a defeated gladiator's life) became common practice. Refusals by emperors Caligula and Claudius to spare popular but defeated gladiators made them unpopular.

Skill was more important than bloodshed. Winning a combat without causing injury was a desirable skill and several gladiators were praised for never injuring anyone. Successful gladiators were seen as heroes and on their death memorials with inscriptions about their deeds and glory were built. Big crowds went to see the gladiatorial combats. Gladiators became big business for trainers and owners, aspiring politicians or high ranking men. The professional trainers made a living out of gladiators. Gladiators were an important investment for trainers, owners and those who sponsored them. They did not want to see the gladiators die immediately. Nevertheless, it was still a dangerous game and death rates were significant