Title
The Day Commodus Killed A Rhino: Understanding The Roman Games (Witness To Ancient History)
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In Ancient Times, The Roman Gamesthat Heady Cocktail Of Mass Slaughter, Gladiatorial Combat, And Chariot Racingmade Strong Political, Social, And Cultural Statements.The Roman Emperor Commodus Wanted To Kill A Rhinoceros With A Bow And Arrow, And He Wanted To Do It In The Colosseum. Commoduss Passion For Hunting Animals Was So Fervent That He Dreamt Of Shooting A Tiger, An Elephant, And A Hippopotamus; His Prowess Was Such That People Claimed He Never Missed When Hurling His Javelin Or Firing Arrows From His Bow. For Fourteen Days Near The End Of Ad 192, The Emperor Mounted One Of The Most Lavish And Spectacular Gladiatorial Games Rome Had Ever Seen. Commodus Himself Was The Star Attraction, And People Rushed From All Over Italy To Witness The Spectacle. But This Slaughter Was Simply The Warmup Act To The Main Event: The Emperor Was Also Planning To Fight As A Gladiator.Why Did Roman Rulers Spend Vast Resources On Such Overthetop Displaysand Why Did Some Emperors Appear In Them As Combatants? Why Did The Roman Rabble Enjoy Watching The Slaughter Of Animals And The Sight Of Men Fighting To The Death? And How Best Can We In The Modern World Understand What Was Truly At Stake In The Circus And The Arena? In The Day Commodus Killed A Rhino, Jerry Toner Set Out To Answer These Questions By Vividly Describing What It Would Have Been Like To Attend Commodus Fantastic Shows And Watch One Of His Many Appearances As Both Hunter And Fighter.Highlighting The Massive Logistical Effort Needed To Supply The Games With Animals, Performers, And Criminals For Execution, The Book Reveals How Blood And Gore Were Actually Incidental To What Really Mattered. Gladiatorial Games Played A Key Role In Establishing A Forum For Political Debate Between The Rulers And The Ruled. Roman Crowds Were Not Passive: They Were Made Up Of Sophisticated Consumers With Their Own Political Aims, Which They Used The Games To Secure. In Addition, The Games Also Served As A Pure Expression Of What It Meant To Be A True Roman. Drawing On Notions Of Personal Honor, Manly Vigor, And Sophisticated Craftsmanship, The Games Were A Story That The Romans Loved To Tell Themselves About Themselves.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'The Day Commodus Killed a Rhino'? A: The book explores the Roman games, focusing on Emperor Commodus's extravagant spectacles, including his desire to kill a rhinoceros in the Colosseum and the cultural significance of these events in ancient Rome.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Day Commodus Killed a Rhino' is Jerry Toner, who provides insights into the history and cultural implications of the Roman games.
- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: The book contains 144 pages, offering a concise yet informative look at the Roman games and their impact on society.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the book is bound in paperback, making it portable and easy to read.
- Q: When was 'The Day Commodus Killed a Rhino' published? A: The book was published on January 5, 2015.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book discusses themes such as political power, social dynamics, and the cultural significance of entertainment in ancient Rome, particularly focusing on the spectacles of the Roman games.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers interested in history? A: Yes, 'The Day Commodus Killed a Rhino' is ideal for readers with an interest in ancient history, particularly the Roman Empire and its cultural practices.
- Q: Does the book provide insights into gladiatorial combat? A: Yes, it vividly describes gladiatorial combat and its role in Roman society, highlighting both the entertainment value and the political implications of such events.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the Roman games, including the motivations behind them and their significance in the context of Roman culture and politics.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is in new condition, ensuring that readers receive a quality product.