[Mind] Games

Gladiator Games 

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Public entertainment has always been appreciated and valued in society. During the Ancient Roman times, gladiator games were used to entertain the citizens of the city. Unfortunately, it was at the expense of prisoners of war, criminals, or slaves. Occasionally, there were trained professional middle class gladiators.  One in five people would not survive to reach the age of 20. One in ten professional gladiators survived. During gladiator games criminals and Christian supporters were executed for the entertainment of others; this was a celebrated event. If they should win their battles, they were rewarded with fame and excitement. It was degrading and painful for those in the arena against their will. This public spectacle served as an example to others to make sure that no one else committed a crime. At times the gladiators were placed in the arena with vicious animals to reenact the death of mythological people. Though most gladiators were lowly and poor, they were considered somewhat of a celebrity. They were respected by the upper-class if they won many battles. They were admired for their bravery and discipline. The gladiators would be set free from their fighting duties if they continued to live on for 5 years. 


In the Ridley Scott movie, Gladiator, released in 2000, the main character, Maximus, played by Russel Crow, a powerful man who becomes a slave in Ancient Roman times. He tries to gain his freedom out of slavery by beating as many people as he can. Maximus shines as a gladiator star and soon becomes a hero. He became respected and began to be treated as a celebrity.