Why Rome’s gladiatorial games were more complex than just a blood sport

Gladiators are well-known figures in works of fiction and popular culture. Stories often focus on their raw strength, endurance, and thirst for violence. However, new archaeological finds and analyzes present more details about the gladiatorial games and the people involved. This shows us how much the Roman Empire depended on these games for both the elites and the ordinary citizen. As the evidence suggests, these ancient games were far more complex than just a foolish blood sport.