Those About to Die

During five centuries of popularity, the Roman games, or Ludi, started out as celebrations no more heinous than the average neighbourhood carnival and grew into a spectacle of pointless massacre that slaughtered thousands of people and animals every month. The games were so popular that they became a national institution through which millions of people―animal trappers, gladiator trainers, horse breeders, shippers, contractors, armorers, stadium attendants, doctors, promoters and businessmen of all kinds―made a living. In fact, the Roman economy was so dependent on their success that any attempt to terminate the games or to restrict their barbarity meant certain economic collapse.

Publisher: Mayflower

Date Published: 1977

Book Condition: Near fine soft cover showing minimal surface and edge wear to cover, otherwise a clean, tight and unmarked copy internally.