Those About to Die [Audiobook]

Free Download Daniel P. Mannix, Brian P. Craig (Narrator), "Those About to Die"
English | ASIN: B0DDMXGP9Y | 2024 | MP3@64 kbps | ~07:11:00 | 197 MB
Putting the games in the context of Rome’s rise and dramatic fall, Mannix captures all the history, planning, and savage pageantry that went into creating the first spectator sports.
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.