Cruelty and Civilization

Argues that the great spectacles of Ancient Rome were not merely casual entertainment, but a public opiate. This study analyzes the emotions of the crowd and th... » 

Argues that the great spectacles of Ancient Rome were not merely casual entertainment, but a public opiate. This study analyzes the emotions of the crowd and the motives of the rulers to explain why the games were so important in the life of the city. «