Introduction
Since the inception of Roman civilization, games have played a pivotal role in Roman culture, enabling the Roman people to express themselves and their beliefs and values. In Alison Futrell’s The Roman Games: Historical Sources in Translation, the author explains the objectives of games in Ancient Rome and discusses the changes in the goals and attitude between the Republic and the Empire. This paper examines the primary objectives of organizing games in Ancient Rome and the key shifts in these objectives between the Republic and the Empire.
Goals and Social Functions of Games in Ancient Rome
It is worth noting that the organization of games in Ancient Rome served numerous specific purposes. One of the main goals was to celebrate the gods and goddesses of the Roman pantheon. Thus, the first games were held in honor of the gods and were an essential part of the religious ritual. The Romans used the games to strengthen the bond between the gods and the people, and to foster the state’s prosperity.
Additionally, games were organized to help foster loyalty to the state and to honor the Roman leaders and military. As Futrell (2006) explains, “As political systems became increasingly sophisticated, state sponsorship of an official religious calendar of festivals allowed celebrating not just the gods, but also to showcase the wealth and organizational talent of the state and its leaders” (p. 2). Thus, the games became a mechanism of political propaganda and power struggle. The organizers of the games, known as aediles, demonstrated their generosity by providing entertainment and amusement to the people, thereby increasing their authority and respect in society.
With the growing popularity of games, their types changed, as did their purposes. It is essential to note that games were also used to celebrate the return of victorious generals and to commemorate significant events, such as the death of a ruler or the founding of a new city. For example, the gladiatorial combats emerged and gained popularity during that period.
According to Futrell (2006), their popularity grew when “the risks of warfare heightened tensions in Roman society; new festivals and munera both countered this anxiety by engaging supernatural support and demonstrating the continuing capability of Rome’s leadership, even in a time of crisis” (p. 6). As a result, the games were viewed as a means to strengthen the bond between the elite and the people, thereby maintaining social order. In this context, the games have contributed to societal cohesion by providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions and to bring people from different social backgrounds and cultures together.
Since the games were also used to create a sense of unity among the Roman people by celebrating their shared history and culture, animal shows became popular to attract the Romans and foreigners. For example, following Futrell (2006), “these demonstrations were meant to impress the Greeks with the high level of Roman cultural sophistication, Rome’s facility with the Greek symbols of power, as well as assert that Rome’s leaders were not simply brutal generals but astute producers of impressive political theater” (p. 9). Thus, the planning and execution of games in Ancient Rome had practical purposes as they were also used to entertain the people and give them a sense of purpose and identity. The games also helped the economy by attracting traders, craftsmen, and tourists and stimulating the construction and repair of infrastructure.
Shifts in Purpose and Public Attitude from Republic to Empire
The main significant alterations in goals and approaches between the Republic and the Empire can be seen in how the games were organized and funded. During the Republic, the games were organized and financed by the patrician elite, who were primarily responsible for their organization and maintenance. Furthermore, the games were utilized as a tool of political struggle when magistrates and members of the patrician aristocracy organized games to increase their popularity (Futrell, 2006, pp. 12-30).
Under the Empire, however, the games were organized and funded by the Imperial government, and they became a tool for strengthening the emperors’ power. Emperors became the primary sponsors and organizers of games, which enabled them to showcase their power, generosity, and benevolence to the people. The imperial government also increased the scale of the games, making them larger and more elaborate.
In addition to how the games were arranged and financed, the Empire changed the relationship between the people and the ruling elite (Futrell, 2006, pp. 29-32). During the Republic, the games were viewed as a means of expressing loyalty to the state. Still, under the Empire, the games were used to demonstrate loyalty to the emperor and promote the Imperial government’s goals.
Conclusion
Overall, the coordination and staging of games in Ancient Rome had many goals, ranging from expressing loyalty to the state to accentuating the authorities’ strength. The main changes in the key shifts in objectives and perspectives from the Republic to the Empire can be seen in organizational principles, purposes, funding sources, and the relationship between the ruling elite and the people. The games developed to become more diverse and magnificent during two distinct periods, attracting a larger audience. However, in the Republic, the games clearly held social significance, and in the Empire, they became increasingly focused on entertainment and spectacle. Thus, through the organization of games, the Roman people could express their values and promote the government’s goals.
Reference
Futrell, A. (2006). The Roman games: Historical sources in translation. Wiley.