
Back during the time of the Roman Empire, entertainment was synonymous with brutality. This was a reality due to the times way back then, when wars were constantly fought and conflict was a way of life.
The Roman Gladiatorial Games could be compared, in a way, to many
spectator sports today. The popularity of a successful gladiator would be comparable to a modern basketball all-star or a famous quarterback. And while the sports we enjoy today are mostly bloodless, they are by no means less brutal than their ancient counterparts.
Boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, even football and basketball are all related to the ancient Roman games. They are a form of popular entertainment that involves the skill and ability of athletes trained to do what they do best, competing for a prize valuable to them.