Spettacoli del Colosseo nelle cronache degli antichi

This book examines the phenomenon of gladiatorial games and venationes within the Flavian Amphitheatre through a comparative analysis of ancient literary sources and iconographical evidence. The study aims to reconstruct the operational logistics and daily schedule of arena events—from morning beast hunts and midday executions to afternoon gladiatorial combats—while highlighting their socio-political and cultural significance in Roman society. By analyzing direct testimonies from classical authors such as Martial, Seneca, Suetonius, and Tertullian, the research demonstrates the Colosseum's dual role as a vehicle for imperial propaganda and a site for public interaction and collective emotion. The integration of material artifacts and mosaics provides a vivid perspective on contemporary audience perception, offering comprehensive insights into the symbolic function of ritualized violence and the lingering influence of these mass-media dynamics on modern athletic and cultural spectacles.