To the Romans, the amphitheatre was a place of order, a triumph over chaos and lawlessness. The arena was a place of justice, where people saw
criminals executed and social order established.
To the people, it was an actual and symbolic restitution of a society in peril; civilization triumphed over barbarians and wild beasts. Spectators could virtually decide on the fate of gladiators in the arena, and it was a foolhardy Emperor who ignored the wishes of the people.
Roman games were at first associated with religion, and sacrifice. They became known as munera which meant 'debt' or 'obligation'. They were understood as obligations rendered to the dead. Often these bloody events would then be followed by a public banquet in the Forum.
It is perhaps difficult to comprehend by modern man that blood sacrifices could somehow raise them, providing them a form of deification. Thus many patrician families, who had offered these blood sacrifices in form of the munera, went on to invent themselves a divine ancestry. The importance of religion and mythological belief could not be disregarded when considering why the games were of such importance to the Romans. Statues of Mars, patron of gladiators, and Diana, patron of the venatio adorned
amphitheatres.
Finally, it is necessary to consider that the games reinforced already strong Roman values and beliefs. Contrary to some belief today, the audience was not interested in mere blood. The games were a symbol of Roman culture, and supported the dominance of their empire. They were a vital part of being Roman and provided a focus in the absence of military pursuits, where they taught Roman values of training, discipline, strength, endurance and desire to win.
Extremely popular were gladiatorial games, where spectators enjoyed
observing the technical skill of what they deemed trained professionals. Roman culture was militaristic in nature, and they valued what they viewed as the art of killing. Because the performers were outcasts, this emphasized the educational element by the notion that if such people could provide
examples of bravery and determination despite impending death, then so
could real men.
Although Roman gladiatorial combats and other spectacles appear violent and cruel by modern standards, they were not popular and important to the people due to an inherent blood lust. They were part of Roman culture. They were examples for common man of having the ultimate influence on life over death, an example of religious support, mythological symbolism and educated and supported Roman virtues.
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