This was an interesting and well structured look at the role of 'Bread and Circuses' in Roman society. Focusing primarily on the gladiatorial games, there are also parts dealing with the chariot races at the Circus Maximus and the religious festivals of Roman culture. I thought the writing was clear and entertaining throughout and although it is a fairly surface level examination, there were still aspects of the history that I was unfamiliar with, which is always fun. Overall, this was a good read and I would definitely recommend it to people with an interest in the topic.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you netgalley for an advanced ARC of this audiobook to Listen to

This was an interesting read about history but not everything was exactly accurate but it was a fun Listen to, this would be good for people who want to learn just a little more on the history of Rome etc.

This historical book provided great depth on Ancient Rome and the gladiators. It was an interesting listen that provided an educational view of the time period.

*Many thanks to Rupert Matthews, Arcturus Digital Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
I am no expert on the ancient Rome or gladioators, but this book did actually bring me closer to that period and the origins of the group of people who fought to survive. The Author begins with the general introduction to the times, which is most helpful if you do not read Authors like Professor Dame Mary Beard on daily basis, and then moves on to how gladiators emerged, what techniques they applied, what they wore while on the arena etc. I learnt a lot, and, as a person with general knowledge, I really enjoyed my time with the audiobook and was offered just what I had expected to receive.

I was highly surprised by this book, I expected it to be only about gladiators and their history but it was actually more focused on the political and social life in Ancient Rome with the first few chapters focusing mainly on Gladiators and then moving onto Chariot Racing and other social events which the organisers used in order to have their political gain.

The book was well written and showed the motion from one to another way in which society moved in terms of celebrations and what impacted them. It went all the way from the beginning of the Roman empire to the fall and how various social events helped to contribute towards the fall of the empire.

It was not easy to make a living in Rome but the citizens did have free entertainment and free food if they needed it. This book gives us so much information relating to the lives of Rome’s citizens and how those in power gained their votes when needed. We learn about the famous Gladiators and how their roles developed to entertain the masses in the grand amphitheaters.

A very well written and well narrated book (I listened to the audiobook). I learned so much by listening to this informative and interesting book. Would recommend to anyone interested in Rome and the eventual end of her Empire.

What a remarkable book. I’ve never really thought much about gladiators; obviously over the years I’ve seen them depicted in various films and I’m aware of the stories about the arena spectacles, but that’s about it. My interest was piqued by the blurb which made me realise I knew so little so I thought I’d give this audio title a run. Absolutely fascinating. I was gripped from the start by a narrative that goes into the origins, the numerous different types, the cost, the spectacle, the brutality. The narration is well balanced and I found it engrossing.

I’ve learned a great deal. I didn’t know there are so many different categories of gladiator, characterised by their headgear, weapons dress etc. I now understand the origins of those deemed the lowest; they have nets to cast and fight in a specific way. Neither did I appreciate the value of gladiators to those who sold or hired them out for money. It’s been a whole new world and insight into something that’s genuinely fascinating…the brutality aside, of course. Rupert Matthew’s research appears impeccable and there’s a lot of technical detail along with historical fact, but all presented in a way that’s easy to absorb. This slice of social history has proved a revelation and I’ll look at some of the films with a deeper and different perspective.