From the center of Imperial Rome to the farthest reaches of ancient Britain, Gaul, and Spain, amphitheaters marked the landscape of the Western Roman Empire. Built to bring Roman institutions and the spectacle of Roman power to conquered peoples, many still remain as witnesses to the extent and control of the empire.

In this book, Alison Futrell explores the arena as a key social and political institution for binding Rome and its provinces. She begins with the origins of the gladiatorial contest and shows how it came to play an important role in restructuring Roman authority in the...

• Draws on the words of eye-witnesses and participants, as well as depictions of the games in mosaics and other works of art.
  
• Offers snapshots of -a day at the games- and -the life of a gladiator-.
  
• Includes numerous illustrations.
  
• Covers chariot-races, water pageants, naval battles and wild animal fights, as well as gladiatorial combat.
  
• Combines political, social, religious...