Citizens of ancient Rome were not much different than citizens of modern America--they liked their sports and the more dangerous, the better. This accessible book draws on humankind's continuing fascination with watching death-defying exploits to help high school and college students learn about sports in ancient Rome, and through them, to gain insights into Roman civilization.

Essentially an encyclopedia, the book presents some 125 entries, with an emphasis on individual gladiators and charioteers. Entries also cover related topics such as the publicizing of gladiatorial shows and chariot races; strategies employed; facilities in which these events were held; and equipment used by participants, including the types of horses favored. Readers can also learn about the social status of gladiators and charioteers and read about the sports' dilettantes, like the emperors Nero and Caligula. Other less-prominent sports, for example boxing and wrestling matches and dangerous hunting expeditions, are also covered.