Every Superbowl Sunday it seems, a new news article is published which likens the sport of football to the Gladiatorial games of Rome. As someone who is studying both anthropology and history, it is interesting to make connections from antiquity to the modern era, but these comparisons have to be analyzed along with the social and political framework of the times they are a product of.
Let's take a closer look at American football with Roman gladiator culture in mind. These are the comparisons I have seen most commonly drawn. The setting: a football stadium, not unlike in appearance and function to a Roman coliseum. The players: athletes who have formed a communitas around a game which encourages displays of strength and speed, violence and danger. The crowd: everyday people, i.e. the 'mob,' are the spectators. A few distinctions must be made.
Are American footballers modern-day Gladiators? Although Americans often seem to project the notion upon them and compare their violent game-play and celebrity status to Roman gladiators, we are not Rome. Roman gladiators were generally slaves, owned by the business class, and exploited for the entertainment of their blood splattering the arena. Rome was a culture that was martial throughout her history, and violence was integrated into military, political, and social spheres. They did not have any qualms about the head and hands of Cicero decorating the Rostra of the Roman Forum, and violence, especially at the close of the Republic, was the most expedient and efficient way for ambitious men to manipulate politics. It is certain that the Roman people were desentized to violence to a degree that is grossly disproportionate to modern Americans. The ancient world was an unforgiving and erratic place.
This is not to say that we are not a martial culture, because we are. It is partly the violence of the game that entertains us. We do not, however, enjoy the spectacle of violence as a triumph of free citizens over slaves, and status over non-status as in Rome. American footballers are free citizens, not slaves as most gladiators were. Successful gladiators were sometimes given their freedom, along with wealth, social celebrity and prestige. However, it would have been difficult even for retired gladiators to have a political career, the most desired path for ambitious Roman men. Furthermore, they would likely not have lived long enough to enjoy fame or freedom. Free citizens were levied into the Roman legion if there was need of them or if the current political climate allowed, but this practice would have been intermittent. So, ex-gladiators as free citizens would probably not have had the opportunity for a political or military career.
Overall, the game of American football does embody a collective set of values, some of which I think are competitiveness and a martial attitude but also hope, spirit, and team support. I don't think the Roman people put as much emphasis on the last three as we do, and much more on the first two.
