0
The only sports which had a widespread popularity as an entertainment in Rome were the chariot races and the gladiatorial games. The chariot races were quite dangerous because the racing was around a very tight track and because the competitors were allowed to try to make each other crash. This gave the spectators an extra thrill. The gladiatorial games were popular because it was a display of physical prowess and fighting skills. Contrary to the stereotype, gladiatorial fights were not fights to the death. The defeated gladiator would stop the game and ask for mercy. Sparing is life was the common practice. There were gladiators who were praised for winning without shedding blood. The training of gladiators was rigorous and combat was considered a science. Nevertheless, the fights were dangerous and death rates were high.
The gladiatorial games were turned into highly publicised public games by Julius Caesar. Organising these games also assumed political connotation as rich men, politicians and emperors did this to seek popularity. For the masses of the poor it provided entertainment in a boring life of hardship. The elite used the phrase 'bread and circuses' (racing tracks) because they believed that keeping the poor fed (with a free grain dole) and entertained prevented riots.
The other Romans sports can be called Greco-Roman sports (athletics, boxing and Wrestling are some which still survive) because the Romans adopted the form the Greeks. They were not as popular for entertainment. They were practiced mainly to maintain physical and fighting prowess in a military-minded society. The Romans also did exercises and played sports at the baths (which they attended most days).
This was because they believed that cleanliness, and physical and mental exercise was key to good health: "mens sana in corpore sano" (sound/healthy mind in healthy body).
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How did ancient roman impact your world today?
There were many things that the Romans gave us. They gave us Architecture, they gave us sports, they gave us warfare. One of the most important thing they gave us is the Aqueduct, without that invention, there would be no Las Vegas, no Los Angeles, there would be nothing in the desert nor would there be any towns in the middle of nowhere.
Why or why not was it important that Peeta Mellark confessed he had a crush on Katniss?
It was important because the confession gave them both huge popularity. This popularity gave them the sponsors they needed to survive.
3 contributions from ancient Greece to the world?
*Ancient greece gave us a democracy * Ancient greece gave use the hippocratic vote *They gave us the Olympic games
Which two ancient civilizations profoundly influenced Western Culture?
The three ancient civilisations that most profoundly influenced modern Western culture would probably be Rome, which gave us its empire; Greece, which gave us its philosophy and ideals; and Judea, which gave us Christianity.
What did the ancient roman government do to help the poor?
In order to help the poor and to calm any unrest, the Roman government provided the poor with grain and oil which supplemented their diets. They also held entertainments for them. These acts were what caused the expression "bread and circuses" in regard to the poor people of Rome.
Who gave the name sports to sports?
Who knows What a stupid question to ask No it's not stupid, he didn't ask why, but who. honestly I don't know, and I think no one knows. I think some anglo-saxon in ancient britain, or it came from the french way later.
What lesson did framers learn from roman history?
The most important lesson the Framers or the Founding Fathers learned from ancient Roman history concerned the structure of a central government. The Roman Republic had many deficiencies, no question about that. However, the Roman system of dividing the powers of the central government, gave birth to the Framer's "balance of powers" concept in the American Republic.
When did Julius Caesar establish the Roman empire?
Julius Caesar did not establish the ancient Roman empire. He did help expand the territory that ancient Rome had conquered. Many historians have said that the beginnings of Rome as an empire came with the final defeat of Carthage. This gave Rome control over a vast area in the western Mediterranean Sea.
How was the Roman republic used?
The Roman republic was a unique kind of government in the ancient world. It had written laws and magistrates to conduct trials. Citizens were able to vote on important public offices. The republic was used to fairly share power among the populace of Rome. The republic had flaws however it was a giant step in the way ancient governments operated. In summary, the structure of the Roman Republic gave its citizens confidence in their government.
Who gave us democracy?
the ancient greeks'
Who gave the ancient Egyptians the job?
The Pharaoh.
Who gave gifts such as kites paper eyeglasses fireworks and yoyos?
Ancient Greek
