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The Getting Tabled crew is back with episode 150, this fortnight we discuss an amazing looking Gladiatorial combat game soon to launch on kickstarter, the greatest reveals from Las Vegas Open and one of the best new looking armies we have seen in quite some time. So grab yourself a drink and some hobby to do and join us in this fortnights episode of Getting Tabled.
The boys return and. this time they're entering the Coliseum for Gladiatorial combat with Ridley Scott's sequel to his Best Picture winning film Gladiator! No Russell Crowe this go around but we got us some Denzel Washington
Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! Greek & Roman Mythology Retold
In celebration of Gladiator II (and because it's a great episode), today's episode comes to us from Ancient History Fangirl's archive. We give you... A day in the Gladiatorial Games. See the original show notes and find more from Ancient History Fangirl here. Join us as we travel back in time to the amphitheatre of Capua—mainland Italy's largest amphitheatre in its day—and experience a day at the gladiatorial games during the time of Spartacus. Sound sculpting by Lens Group Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ishi is our center of attention as he has his 1v3 against House Rysoul, House Zavare, and House Maldane and their champion gladiators. Does Ishi have enough strength to pull ahead in this handicap match? What is the rest of The RAIN going to do as he fights? And what is House Zephroth's end game by making this such an uneven fight?
Ishi is our center of attention as he has his 1v3 against House Rysoul, House Zavare, and House Maldane and their champion gladiators. Does Ishi have enough strength to pull ahead in this handicap match? What is the rest of The RAIN going to do as he fights? And what is House Zephroth's end game by making this such an uneven fight?
Any Given Sunday is a exhilarating film about an American Football team. It see's Al Pacino play the coach of the Miami Sharks, an embattle coach who is trying to get his team to all pull in the right direction. He also faces problems from the team's new owner. It's on and off the field turmoil.The film features a huge ensemble cast including Jamie Foxx, Dennis Quaid, James Woods, LL Cool J, Mathew Modine, Charlton Heston, Ann-Margret, Aaron Eckhart, John C. McGinley, Cameron Diaz and many more. Written and directed by Oliver Stone.To discuss this Gladiatorial sports drama, film critic Leslie Pitt joins the podcast. Talk on how bombastic the film is, how ahead of the real-life game Pacino's character is and also that infamous "inches" speech.All About Al: The Pacino Podcast is written, edited and presented by Mark Searby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In all our years of involvement with machinima (and that's over 75 years between us), feature length has been something we've rarely found watchable... but with this week's pick, we were proven wrong, mostly! Emesis Blue, made in Source Filmmaker using the Team Fortress 2 characterisations by Fortress Films, is an incredibly well-made if very complex story that was crafted over many years. 1:30 Overview of the plot, twists and the filmmaker8:33 Ambiguity vs over-complex?9:29 The merits of the long format for this film10:15 Its all in the knitting11:30 The first 20 minutes are exceptional12:38 The importance of episodes13:30 Its pulp17:40 Nolan's influence?25:30 Game lore didn't matter in appreciating the film29:29 Entertaining who? 30:39 An ending - never explain!35:24 Storytelling craft37:47 The Source engine39:59 Gladiatorial process: being critical and giving feedback41:46 Its a muddle in the middle... the title of Ricky's new autobiographyCredits -Speakers: Phil Rice, Ricky Grove, Tracy Harwood, Damien ValentineProducer/Editor: Phil RiceMusic: Animo Domini Beats
For the last episode in this series of The GladPod, we are joined by two of the brand-new stars of Gladiators Australia 2024: Comet (Tatyanna Pogonza-Dumas) and Dragon (Tyson Pedro). Di, Dave and Producer Paul talk to this epic pair about how they've been feeling transforming into their Gladiatorial alter-egos, which Events they've thrived on in the arena and what message they have for their UK counterparts! Comet, is a model, qualified stunt performer and pro basketballer, she has also appeared in two seasons of Ninja Warrior Australia. Dragon is a UFC light heavyweight. He has 3 black belts in Japanese jiu-jitsu, Kempo karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Watch Gladiators at 7.30 pm on Channel 10 and catch up on 10 Play. Do you have what it takes to face the Gladiators? Apply for Series 2 at 10play.com.au --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gladpod/message
Dive into Gladiators history with Ace (Warren Furman) on this week's GladPod episode. From failed Contender to Series 5 Gladiator legend, he spills exclusive stories about his Gladiatorial journey, including how a chocolate biscuit led to the birth of his iconic Gladiator name Ace. Join David and Producer Paul for an episode filled with surprises, laughter and shocks, including talking about an incident that almost had him sacked from the show! This is an episode not to be missed. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gladpod/message
Michael Carter and I discuss the rules and rituals that governed the lives - and deaths - of Rome's gladiators.
Hawk (Aleks Georgijev) was the first and only Welsh Gladiator on the original series, joining Gladiators in Series 1 back in 1992. He chats to Di, David and Producer Paul on The GladPod to discuss his Gladiatorial career and why now is the right time for him to take a trip down memory lane... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gladpod/message
When you think of Gladiators you tend to think of Roman Amphitheatres, Hollywood films, and probably not Colchester in the UK. But thanks to the discovery of the Colchester Vase, evidence suggests that Gladiators might have fought in an arena in Roman Colchester. From animal hunts, to violent fights to the death - this artefact paints a vivid picture of what Roman life might have been like. But how accurate is this vase, and what does it's detailed imagery really tell us about Gladiators in Roman Britain?In this episode, Tristan welcomes Colchester Museum Curator Glynn Davis to the Podcast, to talk about what life might have been like for a Gladiator in Roman Britain. Using artefacts displayed in the museum, Glynn takes us on a journey through the different types of combat, animals fought, and helps debunk some popular Gladiatorial myths.You can watch Tristan and Glynn's chat here.Learn more about Decoding the Roman Dead here.The Ancients has been nominated in the History category at the Signal Awards! Help us win Gold by casting your vote here!Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A gladiatorial school far to the west entices the party. An ill-fated dwarf spoke of access to the Halls via secret tunnels. Perhaps Gerrilad stalks these benighted passages... Feats of Exploration achieved during this session can be perused here. The Halls of Arden Vul is by Richard Barton, Andreas Claren, and Joseph Browning, published by Expeditious Retreat Press. Purchase it here. Old School Essentials is a restatement of the Basic/Expert (B/X) rulesets of Dungeons & Dragons, originally published in 1981. Check it out at https://necroticgnome.com/. Explore more 3d6 Down the Line at our official website! Find our House Rules (culled from numerous luminary OSR sources), character sheets, artwork, both video and audio only versions of every episode, and lots more! Grab some 3d6 DTL merchandise! https://3d6dtl.creator-spring.com/ If you'd like to not only listen to us, but also watch our ugly mugs, check out the episode on YouTube. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/3d6dtl/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/3d6dtl/support
Here is everything you need to know about Black Krrsantan in one episode, leading up to when we see him in The Book of Boba Fett! From his Gladiatorial days to his Bounty Hunter Days and into the Boba show on Disney Plus, I hope this episode highlights everything we need to know about him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to Bring Your Own Blockbuster. One question for you after 6 episodes... ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?! We're sure the films so far will have tickled you and scratched that retro film itch... but just in case they haven't this weeks choice is a beauty. We go back 20+ years to a true epic and Russell Crowe's turn as Maximus in 'Gladiator' (2000).Directed by Ridley Scott this film is a true epic in every sense of the word. From the opening sequence in Germania to the Colosseum itself the guys break down why we love coming back to this film time and time again. There's a big discussion on what the genre of the film actually is but as well as that is it possible to pick out one particular theme that Ridley Scott was trying to get at?With so much to pick from we discuss the idea of manhood, legacy, revenge, power, unrequited love and rejection. On top of all of that we have a real good rummage into the spectacle of an epic. The realness of the battle scenes the power of Maximus character as an alpha gentleman. BUT... huge but... is there a small problem with the ending?!There's also the small matter of Hans Zimmer's unbelievable score that takes us through a story in itself - we discuss why it's the perfect background music for not just Gladiatorial battles but pretty much anything including music for working in an office!As ever we'll be breaking down the MVP's with wonderful performances from Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris and of course Joaquin Phoenix. And how will the film stand up to the fine wine war crime test. Within the audio version of the show - for you podcasters - there's a lovely bit of extra chat at the top about what the guys have been watching in the cinema and on streaming platforms this week too, spoiler alert, we have a big old natter about Beef!Bring Your Own Blockbuster isn't just a film review podcast, we try our best each week to dive deep into the themes and discussions that make cinema so special - and we'd love to hear your feedback on the film. What did The Truman show make you feel? What did we miss? Get involved and tell us what you think on social media, you can find us everywhere at @byobpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Love is in the air for the Blackmilkshake boys. Greg wins a prize to learn Gladiatorial Seduction Techniques at the Russell Crowe Love Bureau and Lisa Morrow gives us the ins and outs of Turkish weddings while Morgan Freeman talks about why he has never played a white character. The boys talk holidays, Barry Humphries and why it's important to be over 5ft10 tall in a Turkish tunnel.#comedy #gladiator #russellcrowe #timhallam #morganfreeman #lovebureau #lisamorrow #insideoutinistanbul Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow 1930 Governor FDR of New York #California: Gavin Newsom running hard for President meets Adam Schiff running just as hard for Senate in parallel gladiatorial contests with the solidly Democratic vote. https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/06/politics/gavin-newsom-2024-campaign/index.html
How do we nurture our passion when the world around us stands in our way?What's the difference between passion and indulgence?How can employers increase passion?These and other important questions are addressed when passion guru Kira Day joins The Rabbi and the Shrink.https://thepassioncentre.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiraday/1:00 What is the passion gap?Too many people don't care about their workConfusing passion with mission sends us down the wrong pathOften we need to come from a place of darkness to appreciate light4:30 Our pains become our passions, and tension produces balanceWhat is the Passion Test?What are the internal and external drivers of passion?Passion makes us better9:00 The four passion bucketsWhat are the underlying reasons for our passions?Internal -- natural interestsSocial environment -- connections and safetyFunctional -- support and developmentPsychological -- autonomy, mastery, purposeDifferent people can be passionate about the same thing for very different reasons14:00 Why are we passionate about spectator sports?Gladiatorial battle or hero's journey?If entertainment distracts us, does that make us less passionate?18:00 What's the difference between passion and indulgence?Passion = meaning x investmentPurpose = passion sharedOverindulgence reveals imbalance24:00 How can employers increase passion?Care more!Put more heart into a job by allowing people to be people… give them a reason to be loyalYou can't buy loyalty with money but with meaning28:00 Why do ethics produce passion?Why is procrastination a gift?31:00 Word of the day: Imputresciblenot liable to decomposition or putrefaction; incorruptible:Keeping passionately alive ensures our spirit won't putrefy and we won't corrupt our core valuesPassion is the lift inside of us which connects us to the world around us34:00 How do we nurture our passion when the world around us stands in our way?You -- obstacle -- passionBelieve in yourself and your purpose, then obstacles will move out of your way39:00 With passion anything is possibleWhen in doubt, pretend to be you
So much of what we assume is fact about gladiators comes from what we've seen in movies, or read in novels. This fascinating two part podcast episode chat with gladiatorial consultant Alexander Mariotti is just the place to start to dispel some of these myths. Alexander helps us to better understand gladiators and gladiatorial combat back in ancient Roman times. Did the crowds eat the animals slain at the gladiatorial fights? Were all gladiators slaves and did they fight to the death? Were there women gladiators? You'll be surprised by the answers to these questions... Head to the Flavor of Italy website for more information, great photos, and links.
Huge weekend for the buck. Bloke in a Bar beer: check out their store locator here: https://blokeinabar.com/pages/store-locator Neds. Whatever you bet on, Take it to the Neds Level. Visit: https://www.neds.com.au/ Kayo Sports: Enjoy no ads during play, sign up today: https://kayosports.com.au/ 00:00 - Eddie's Bucks 48:10 - Cricket 1:00:01 - Rugby League 1:12:08 - Biffs
Is The Chosen harmful to the Church? Is Jonathan Roumie TOO handsome? In this new GLADIATORIAL format, Ben and Matthew go toe-to-toe on a property they disagree on.
1. Intro 2. Famous gladiators 3. Allure of the gladiator 4. Types 5. Training 6. Gladiatorial spectacular p.s. MandingoGladiators have intruded on the public consciousness for two millennia. Fuelled by books and movies. Yet the truth behind them all is often more vivid and brutal than fiction could ever convey. Training was hard, specialised skills were prized, and the spectacle was all. Bread and circuses. There were horsemen and charioteers, mock naval battles, and dramatic re-enactments of famous Roman victories. Blood was usually demanded. Around the Roman empire, amphitheatres were constructed to take this popular entertainment to the masses and to imprint Roman culture and values, and to carry Roman influence across the world.Some gladiators became famous, some the lovers of society women, some led revolts or were used as bodyguards by emperors and generals under threat. With the Colosseum still standing and the remains of the gladiator school nearby, this era of history evokes powerful emotions and imaginings. It continues to fascinate to this day. Stansted Park - Battle of Waterloo event: Stansted Park Summer JamboreeAlso check out our: BVH E2 Cavalry Charge So it goes,Tom Assheton & James Jackson See also:YouTube: BloodyViolentHistoryhttps://www.instagram.com/bloodyviolenthistory/https://www.jamesjacksonbooks.comhttps://www.tomtom.co.uk If you enjoy the podcast, would you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify or Google Podcast App? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps to spread the wordSee https://simplecast.com/privacy/ for privacy information
Are you a fan of perfectly chilled salads and crisp, minimalist design? Well, then this show is for you! Recurring character, IKEA virgin, newly glutinous (and gluttonous), self-activating robot, Josh Weiland, comes back on the pod as we plan our trip to St. Louis for All Elite Wrestling's Dynamite! Yes, yes, we're all thinking it. Wrestling is Life. Other discussion topics may include: - An official, irrefutable list of the worst news one can receive - A PSA to everyone: If you go to medical school, at some point you're gonna see some poop - More exquisite corpses than you've ever seen in one place at one time - Belchers, Boogers, Maggots, Seepage...you know, all the hits - Was Vince McMahon inspired by Barbie? Find out more with this obvious clickbait! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/goingterribly/message
The Neighbros get into: - The creepy throat chanting from the Dune movie - Connor doesn't want to talk about Star Wars and then proceeds to sing a Star Wars Musical - How data analysts loses their composure over the Accountant movie - What's the best war movie? - How (not) to use podcast sound effects - The dirty secret behind the Red Cross - Connor's Gladiator identity - Have you ever ridden First Class? - Travel Life Hack for Tall People - Average shower head height - Old movies we outgrew - The horror of Y2K - "The 90s was the PINNACLE of American society..." - The gradual capture of our attention - "We don't love ALL our fans..." - Old Time talking --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gifthorse/support
Here is everything you need to know about Black Krrsantan in one podcast, leading up to when we see him in The Book of Boba Fett! From his Gladiatorial days to his Bounty Hunter Days and into the Boba show on Disney Plus, I hope this podcast highlights everything we need to know about him. I hope we see The Mandalorian in the next episode and hopefully...Bossk and Crimson Dawn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on the Almanac, we remember an ancient saint and the end of the Gladiatorial games. #OTD #1517 #churchhistory — SHOW NOTES are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac GIVE BACK: Support the work of 1517 today CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (gillespie.media).
Business Side: Psaki says loan payments a priority/ Teachers wallowing for cash on ice/ Devastating tornadoes in Midwest/ Rand Paul hypocrisy/ Lulac dropping Latin-x (thank god) Party Side: Discussion of BBC doc on Nigerian cultist crime organizations/ Dr. Peter McCullough and betadine petty pots/ Recent increase in seizures amongst adults Instagram: @skip_the_noise_podcast Twitter: @skipthenoisepo1 / @MexNostradamus / @Rickbluecheck (Brown Python)
How do we nurture our passion when the world around us stands in our way?What's the difference between passion and indulgence?How can employers increase passion?These and other important questions are addressed when passion guru Kira Day joins The Rabbi and the Shrink.https://thepassioncentre.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiraday/1:00 What is the passion gap?Too many people don't care about their workConfusing passion with mission sends us down the wrong pathOften we need to come from a place of darkness to appreciate light4:30 Our pains become our passions, and tension produces balanceWhat is the Passion Test?What are the internal and external drivers of passion?Passion makes us better9:00 The four passion bucketsWhat are the underlying reasons for our passions?Internal -- natural interestsSocial environment -- connections and safetyFunctional -- support and developmentPsychological -- autonomy, mastery, purposeDifferent people can be passionate about the same thing for very different reasons14:00 Why are we passionate about spectator sports?Gladiatorial battle or hero's journey?If entertainment distracts us, does that make us less passionate?18:00 What's the difference between passion and indulgence?Passion = meaning x investmentPurpose = passion sharedOverindulgence reveals imbalance24:00 How can employers increase passion?Care more!Put more heart into a job by allowing people to be people… give them a reason to be loyalYou can't buy loyalty with money but with meaning28:00 Why do ethics produce passion?Why is procrastination a gift?31:00 Word of the day: Imputresciblenot liable to decomposition or putrefaction; incorruptible:Keeping passionately alive ensures our spirit won't putrefy and we won't corrupt our core valuesPassion is the lift inside of us which connects us to the world around us34:00 How do we nurture our passion when the world around us stands in our way?You -- obstacle -- passionBelieve in yourself and your purpose, then obstacles will move out of your way39:00 With passion anything is possibleWhen in doubt, pretend to be you
What does it mean to be a gladiator? Dariush Soudi unpacks this topic in detail on today's episode!LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE AND SUBSCRIBE:www.briancovey.com Pickup Brian's new book, “Conversations with Covey”:https://tinyurl.com/y4h4jvhpDariush Soudi is the CEO and founder of the @BeUniqueGroup, an Executive Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author and Philanthropist by heart.With more than 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Dariush Soudi shares with the world his unique business techniques to help improve your sales, marketing, management, and customer service strategies.Dariush goes into his emotional story, from losing his father at 3 years old to being broke, and how he overcame his many obstacles to become the gladiator that he is today. “If you every single day are not living your full potential, if you're not working every single day on your skills, on your defense, your tactics, your attack, your offensive, you're dying slowly every day. So I'd rather be the gladiator and get killed in the marketplace, or make it.” -Dariush Follow Jay:https://www.dariushsoudi.com/
Here's what we covered on today's episode: -What is a fighting sport? -How did our own fight go? Yes, we fought. Here at the SOA Podcast we put our money where our mouths are. -Why do humans enjoy fighting and spectating? Is it immoral? -Early Eastern combat sports -Greek olympic wrestling -Gladiatorial games -Native American bloodsports -Jousting -Dueling -Growth of modern boxing -Fully commercialized fighting (MMA, football) -Quick run-down of the best fights of real life and myth -Are violent video games a fighting sport? A mini debate -What is the future of fighting sports? Robot battles? 1v1 quick scopes? Fight clubs? Our links: Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdbF... BitChute https://www.bitchute.com/channel/T667... Twitter @sonsofantiquity Gab @sonsofantiquity Email sonsofantiquitypodcast@gmail.com Facebook Sons of Antiquity Sources: Definitions https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_... Why do we like fighting? https://www.livescience.com/2231-huma... https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ba... Early fighting sports https://fighterculture.com/history-an... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History... Palé: https://healthandfitnesshistory.com/a... https://www.britannica.com/biography/... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_l... Gladiatorial Games: https://spartacus-educational.com/ROM... Native American Fighting https://www.sportsrec.com/native-amer... https://www.seeker.com/the-extraordin... Jousting: https://www.worldhistory.org/Jousting/ European History of Dueling: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/0518... American Dueling: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexpe... Growth of Modern Boxing https://dailyhistory.org/How_did_mode...Football: https://www.profootballhof.com/footba... https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/01/the-s... Best fights of real life and legend: https://www.themanual.com/culture/bes... https://www.ancienttexts.org/library/... Socrates on Fitness: https://www.artofmanliness.com/articl...
BiblioFiles: A CenterForLit Podcast about Great Books, Great Ideas, and the Great Conversation
Which picture book will rule them all? In this episode, the Andrews clan agrees upon rules for evaluating picture books and then enters combat with the picture book gladiator of their choice. Who will come out victorious? Shop BiblioFiles: www.centerforlit.com/the-bibliofiles-shopReferenced Works:– Amos and Boris by William Steig– All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan– The Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman– Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco– Everyone Poops by Tarō Gomi– Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey–”Diver caught in whale ‘poonado'”– All My Friends Are Dead by Avery MonsenHonorable Mentions:– One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey– The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats– The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base– Ship of Dreams by Dean Morrissey– Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine by Evaline Ness– Letting Swift River Go by Jane Yolen,– Cinnamon, Mint, and Mothballs by Ruth Tiller – Brave Irene by William SteigWe love hearing your questions and comments! You can contact us by emailing i.andrews@centerforlit.com, or you can visit our website www.centerforlit.com to find even more ways to participate in the conversation.
EBP-09e How Are You Doing At Overcoming The Distracted Life Today 201021PM Short Clip POINTING YOUR MIND TOWARDS GOD The overpowering Gladiatorial gaming culture of the 1st Century that troubled, tempted, and weakened the early church has morphed into an even more alluring 21st century, irresistible, and almost inescapable culture, that even the lost world [...] The post RESTORING YOUR MIND HIJACKED BY DISTRACTIONS–5 Ways To Start Pointing Your Mind Towards God appeared first on Discover the Book Ministries.
Join us as we travel back in time to the amphitheatre of Capua—mainland Italy's largest amphitheatre in its day—and experience a day at the gladiatorial games during the time of Spartacus. This episode was sponsored by Oneshi Press. Sound sculpting by Lens Group Media. https://www.patreon.com/ancienthistoryfangirl https://mrguycomic.com/ https://www.lensgroupmedia.com/
Gladiatorial law and stealth acquisitions are on the docket for the next episode of the Star Wars homebrew actual play podcast. Check out our YouTube Channel! Follow Vacant Gazing on Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch And check out our Patreon Page!
More great books at LoyalBooks.com
This Episode we will be putting the Gladiatorial Games under the pendulum. Join us as we discuss the origins of the games, their violent escalation, and what it meant to Roman society. It is a variety show from Hell this week on Under the Pendulum Podcast.
This week the Blanket Team sit down to talk about being a teen, from Emo Swoops to the creeping existential dread of growing older. They discover the true meaning of 420, it was within us all the time. Talk about the grind of a 40 hour work week really puts a damper on making content like our upcoming financial planning gocha pon app featuring baby gladiatorial combat trust us it doesn't make sense to us either. BE THE WIZARD THAT TEEN YOU WANTED YOU TO BE. You can check out everything Blanket Term does over at [Blanket-Term.com] (https://www.blanket-term.com). Send Questions via Twitter, Discord, or email us at blanketterm@gmail.com (put "Blanket Fort" in the subject line). **Hosts** Albert: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/VariableVacancy)Allen Joe: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/AllenDJoe)Brandon Atkinson: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/H00ded_Sl0th)Dawn Gardner: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/IDontGiveADawn)**Mixing and Audio Editing**Allen Joe**Album Art**Dawn Gardner**Producer**Allen Joe**Executive Producer**Dawn Gardner**Music Used**Bits by MossBafiaAccidental Funk(instrumental) by Aussens@iterAll music used under creative commons license ""
again TB flip FCC airship TV tap viewership TV skip fiasco cheap firework rebosk exec dip champ 2 chance pTB fast g sc se p0 ex se fetch into sc sex dvi yup read rctv by r.c enzo imp ex WBA thump ex dev p DC cop r.c Atari TV nkl wax asGB I'm ll AI di zip nkp r.CBS's ss audio budi and u g NY um I'll keep you posted mate d at RV Odyrhcjoxrrhkmok --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Fathom: getting below the surface of the UK fishing industry.
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of the December Fisheries Council? How quotas get decided and what role your representatives play? Do they really stay up all night? Join the Fathom team as they get below the surface of this year's December Fisheries Council and find out why Mike Park, the CEO of The Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA), likens it to 'The Gladiatorial Ring'. Your Fathom Hosts:> Paul Trebilcock, CFPO Chief Executive> Katrina Ryan, Mindfully Wired Communications > Chris Ranford, Fisheries Animateur ProjectFunders:> Seafarers UK> MMO
In the year 2000, the sword-and-sandal epic was revived, with Russell Crowe trebucheted to international stardom as the star of Ridley Scott’s hugely successful film, Gladiator. But fame was also found for Hans Zimmer, today the biggest music man in Hollywood, but who along with Australian composer and singer Lisa Gerrard wrote some of the most influential film music in decades for Gladiator. In Episode 17, we take a look at what makes Zimmer’s sound so pervasive, how Lisa Gerrard’s voice intensifies the film’s emotions, and just where all that strength and honour comes from. Episode notes: 3:02 – Gladiator as the breakthrough Hans Zimmer score 5:09 – Some background on the significance of Gladiator, sword and sandal films, epics, and peplum 14:24 – Hans Zimmer style and the 1990s action film 21:00 – Hans Zimmer and the synth 23:52 – The unusual instrumentation of Gladiator 25:25 – A duduk demonstration 27:10 – The themes of Gladiator – Commodus’ theme 33:15 – The power of Lisa Gerrard’s voice 39:48 – Maximus’ hymn 43:00 – Maximus’ polyrhythms 45:32 – Zimmer’s Vangelis’ moment 48:01 – Once Upon a Time in Ancient Rome 53:11 – The Earth theme – Gladiator’s musical soul 1:00:56 – Lucilla’s theme 1:05:17 – The Gladiator waltz 1:08:15 – A Holst heist? 1:12:34 – Gladiatorial piracy 1:16:41 – The death of an emperor (or, Mozart’s Da Vinci Code) 1:21:02 – To Zuccabar 1:24:00 – Gladiator’s establishing music (and a surprise) 1:29:21 – Zimmer’s answering horns 1:31:43 – The Might of Wagner 1:39:18 – The Hans Zimmer Olympics 1:41:27 – Gladiator’s finale: Now We Are Free We love to hear from our listeners – get in touch via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and if you like The Art of the Score, please take a moment to subscribe, rate and comment.
This week on RPG Lessons Learned Dusty, Brian and Mike talk PVP! Afraid of Player vs. Player combat at your table? So were we! So we decided to just go for it! Here’s what we learned… Mace is a little more than a month away! Dusty will be running a couple of games at the... The post RPG Lessons Learned 022 – PVP Arena, Gladiatorial Combat (D&D 5E) appeared first on Radio Free Cybertron.
Latinitium – Latin audio and video: podcast in Latin on literature, history, language
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Impeachment is a hot topic I don't know why…… 45 might have something to do with it. Who is worse OJ or Trump? We look at parallels between OJ and Trump.. Everyone keeps calling for Impeachment… New Superhero Team Tricky Dick, Slick Willie, and Dusty Old Johnson. Although so far 2 Presidents have been impeached they weren't convicted of the charges. Impeachment doesn't seem to work as its the corrupt voting out the corrupt. We look at the fact that the Canadien Prime Minister got beat up by Chandler from Friends-WTF. We think Impeachment should be replaced with Gladiatorial combat. Our money is on Bernie. We talk about the 24 countries that have impeachment. Scary Good […] The post Down the Rabbit Hole: Impeachment appeared first on The Geeked Gods.
In this episode, we discuss getting a fish drunk, weird laws in Ohio, bringing back duels to settle scores, and gladiatorial combat. Subscribe to Us on iTunes! Visit the website and donate: discourseofhumanevent.com Email: zach@discourseofhumanevents.com Intro and outro music provided by Brad Sucks under Creative Commons. Go listen to his music, it's awesome. Brad Sucks
Wherein our ""heroes"" face off against the Great Horrible One's favorite team of gladiators. Much chaos ensues, to the delight of Makar, Mëassë, and Bardok. We meet and defeat the Ludus Hominum Trium: Blondie the Silent Ice Mage, Brawna the Dwarven Suplex Machine, Carfina of Clan Ahk'rapp, Ravanys the Cleric of Manneg, and Retlaw Semaj the Minotaur. Follow us online at 20sidedtheatre.com. Follow us on Twitter through @IllustriousRho, @ShenoudaNecroCo, @Thrimlach, and @Lady Featherfoot Episode 7 Music Attribution Snowballs by Coda - https://soundcloud.com/coda Tires on Fire by Coda - https://soundcloud.com/coda The Megatune by Dualtrax, Bzl, Nagz, Crome, Seablue, Sinny, Svenzzon, Zabutom, Dubmood, and Funky Fish - https://soundcloud.com/dualtrax Galaxy Hero by Firage - https://soundcloud.com/firage Prepare to Get Your Ass Kicked (Boss 7A) by Firage - https://soundcloud.com/firage The Final Dark Clash by Firage - https://soundcloud.com/firage Seahorse Dreams by Kubbi with Jonas Dam - https://soundcloud.com/kubbi Up In My Jam (All Of A Sudden) by Kubbi with Jonas Dam - https://soundcloud.com/kubbi Instrumental Metal by sven_turtle - https://soundcloud.com/sventurtle Credit Where Credit is Due by VCMG - https://soundcloud.com/vincmg Victory Flower Fields by VCMG - https://soundcloud.com/vincmg 三拍子chiptune神社 by was_UDK - https://soundcloud.com/1145141919 Episode 7 SFX Attribution S: 20100213.tuning.02.wav by dobroide -- http://www.freesound.org/people/dobroide/sounds/90352/ -- License: Attribution S: Coughing Young Man (me).wav by RutgerMuller -- http://www.freesound.org/people/RutgerMuller/sounds/51136/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: rocket report and scream jr.wav by cognito perceptu -- http://www.freesound.org/people/cognito%20perceptu/sounds/32983/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: pulley 2.wav by FreqMan -- http://www.freesound.org/people/FreqMan/sounds/40555/ -- License: Attribution S: To_Be_Booed_ses1.wav by freesound -- http://www.freesound.org/people/freesound/sounds/25271/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: magic burst by dan2008ds -- http://www.freesound.org/people/dan2008ds/sounds/214455/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: Rock-pool by the Ocean by Mings -- http://www.freesound.org/people/Mings/sounds/172512/ -- License: Attribution Noncommercial S: chain_rustle_med3.mp3 by Samulis -- http://www.freesound.org/people/Samulis/sounds/192612/ -- License: Attribution S: Keys.wav by xenognosis -- http://www.freesound.org/people/xenognosis/sounds/137252/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: Jumping on Wooden Plate in Hall.aif by RutgerMuller -- http://www.freesound.org/people/RutgerMuller/sounds/103996/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: yells.mp3 by jasinski -- http://www.freesound.org/people/jasinski/sounds/18365/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: rubber bulb bicycle horn by odilonmarcenaro -- http://www.freesound.org/people/odilonmarcenaro/sounds/276965/ -- License: Attribution S: whoosh07.wav by FreqMan -- http://www.freesound.org/people/FreqMan/sounds/25076/ -- License: Attribution S: BullBellow.mp3 by acclivity -- http://www.freesound.org/people/acclivity/sounds/50669/ -- License: Attribution Noncommercial S: Whoosh_Swish_02.wav by mich3d -- http://www.freesound.org/people/mich3d/sounds/12657/ -- License: Attribution S: Skyrim Heal Start by Cyberkineticfilms -- http://www.freesound.org/people/Cyberkineticfilms/sounds/140849/ -- License: Attribution S: Falling In Dirt.wav by FocusBay -- http://www.freesound.org/people/FocusBay/sounds/210867/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 S: Click5.wav by EdgardEdition -- http://www.freesound.org/people/EdgardEdition/sounds/113635/ -- License: Attribution S: night_vision.wav by Syna-Max -- http://www.freesound.org/people/Syna-Max/sounds/60345/ -- License: Attribution Noncommercial S: 20130103_140859_oslofjord_colorfantasy_foghorn_sun_deck.wav by hoersturz -- http://www.freesound.org/people/hoersturz/sounds/173979/ -- License: Attribution Noncommercia
More little-known parellels between football and gladiatorial combat.
With everyone in the free-for-all agreeing their best strategy is to take out the Elements first, things are getting hairy in the arena. Victory goes to those who use the shifting landscape to their advantage.
av and Rip, having had a bit too much to drink the previous night, sign the party up for yet more gladiatorial games. This time, the Elements face a variety of challengers in a shapeshifting arena.
Sam and Ivan talk about: * Mortgage Refinancing / Election Update / EV-PV Split? * More on Polls / Hurricane Sandy * Sandy Election Effects / Ballots / Worst Case Scenarios * Surface / BYODevice / Windows 8 / iPad Mini
This week Nathan and Conlan talk about Christmas, Grey Goose, Year in Review, fantasy assassination of the week, Census, Michigan execution assembly line, Gladiatorial combat of the future, year in podcasts, Podcasting Awards, Baldwins, good movies you’ve never heard about, Hemingway, Texas School Board shooting. Email: wierdoesandwarriors@gmail.com
Ever since 326BC, the Romans have been conducting gladiatorial fights, originally for funerals, and later for pure entertainment. Gladiators are highly disciplined slaves trained at ludi. At one point, their excellent fighting ability posed a threat to Rome itself. There were various types of gladiators including the essedari (charioteers) and retiarii ("the fisherman") that fought animals or each other. Sometimes, these gladiators were loaded on to two boats and naval battles were conducted. Although the practice died down by 500AD, gladiatorial combat kept the Roman people happy and is a staple of Roman society.
Welcome BACK to Communion Sanctorum: History of the Christian Church.We ended our summary & overview narrative of Church History after 150 episodes; took a few months break, and are back to it again with more episodes which aim to fill in the massive gaps we left before.This time, we'll do series that go into detail on specific moments, movements, people, places, and other topics.The title of this episode is The First Centuries – Part 1.Ask almost anyone with at least a vague awareness of the early years of the Christianity, and they will likely tell you it was a time of intense persecution. Ask how many believers were put to death and the number will range from tens of thousands to a few million.From stories, movies, and paintings of the era, many have the mental image of a mass of defenseless Christians dressed in white, huddled on an arena floor, surrounded by hungry lions. The stands are packed with spectators shouting for blood. But that image, common as it may be, is rather misleading. Did it happen? Undoubtedly. But it wasn't the ubiquitous scene many assume. Before the dawn of the 3rd C, official imperial attempts to eradicate Christianity were largely unorganized and lukewarm. Roman emperors were rarely the terror to the Faith popular literature has made them. I say rarely, because there were some notable exceptions prior to the 3rd C. After that, things changed dramatically. Some emperors delighted in tormenting Jesus' followers. Ending Christianity in the most brutal manner seems to have been a major focus for some of them.Why did Rome persecute Christians? And why is it the popular concept of this time that it was an Era of Martyrs?It's best to get at this by backing up a bit to consider Rome's attitude toward religion. And how are we to do that pray-tell? For attitudes toward religion vary from person to person, and time to time. Among the ancients; Roman, Greek, Jew, Parthian, or whatever, there were those who were devout, the profane, and a whole spread of shades of piety from one end of the religious spectrum to the other. What we're considering here is the basic Roman civic approach to religion.It might surprise the modern student to learn that political leaders of Rome served a religious function that was part & parcel of their political task. Their civic duties included cultic rituals. Roman religion was heavily invested in public ceremonies and sacrifices. Personally held religious beliefs weren't as important as most modern religions regard them. What was important, pre-eminently so, was the possession of pietas. Pietas was religious duty. It meant honoring the sacred Roman traditions in the accepted way. The English word piety is derived from Pietas. But piety wasn't an option for any Roman who desired to climb the political ranks. It was an absolute essential and something to be demonstrated publicly.Pietas was THE distinguishing virtue of Rome's founding hero, Aeneas, who's given the epithet of “pius” by Virgil in the Aeneid. Cicero elevated pietas to the place Christians would later assign Agape. It was the duty a good Roman was to show to the gods and his fellow man. And by doing so, ensured the safety and prosperity of the State.Romans of the 2nd C BC to the 4th AD saw themselves as owing a debt of gratitude to their ancestors who embodied the virtues they treasured. It seems our time isn't the only one that looks to a past Golden Age of yesteryear when “all the women were strong and the men were good-looking.” Romans assigned themselves a custodial roll in preserving the traditions of their ancestors. And not just theirs. They expanded that custody over the traditions of those they conquered. So though they despised the Jewish religion for its seeming irreligious monotheism and refusal to cast Yahweh's form – because it was an ancient belief, it came under their protection, as did several other Eastern faiths that were too divergent from that of the Greeks and Romans to allow for inclusion in the Roman pantheon.Christianity was different. It was originally regarded by Rome as a Jewish reform movement; something Jewish leaders would have to deal with within their esoteric and opaque system.What worried Rome was the rapidity by which the new faith grew. That, and it defied some of Rome's most cherished ideas about how religion ought to be conducted. Rome was all about the PUBLIC display of ritual. Religion was a community thing. Christians, on the other hand, were secretive. They conducted their services in private and were reluctant to talk publicly about what they did behind closed doors. That reluctance owed to the wild & salacious rumors spread by critics. Calumny began early for Christians. In some places, Jewish opponents, jealous at the success of Christian evangelism, twisted aspects of the Christian message into accusations and whispered them in the ears of officials. Things like, Christians practiced cannibalism, because of the Lord's Table. It was said they were incestuous, because they held what were called “Love Feasts” where they referred to each other as “brother and sister.” And most damning, was the pagan perception that Christians were in reality practical-atheists. That charge is incomprehensible to modern believers contending with the likes of Dawkins & Harris and their New Atheist compatriots. But in the early centuries, Christians were regarded by their pagan neighbors as atheists precisely because they believed in only ONE God, rather than a plethora.Though believers tried to dispel these damning mis-conceptions, they lived on. As has been said; A lie travels half-way round the world before truth has put its shoes on. So Christians sequestered themselves behind closed doors and met in secret to conduct their clandestine meetings.The popular Roman mentality toward religion was that it needed to be practiced in public as an expression of the community's devotion to the gods, who'd reward this public piety with divine favor. It was relatively easy for them to accept the faiths of those they conquered since they already believed in a multiplicity of deities. What matter that there were now a few more?That policy of tolerance for the religions of their conquests was sorely tried when it came to the Jews. Though many Romans despised the monotheism of Judaism, toleration was begrudgingly given simply on the basis of the antiquity of the Jewish faith. That toleration was strained to the breaking point under the reign of the mad Emperor Caligula who demanded to be worshipped as a god. Then after the First Jewish–Roman War of AD 66-73, the Jews were allowed to practice their religion only so long as they paid a new tax, the “fiscus Judaicus” ON TOP OF the exorbitant taxes that had sparked their revolt in the first place.There's debate among historians over whether the Roman government simply saw Christianity as a sect of Judaism prior to Emperor Nerva's modification of the fiscus Judaicus in 96. From then on, Jews had to pay while Christians didn't. SO that seems to suggest an official distinction was made between the 2 groups.A measure of the Roman disdain for Christianity came from the belief that it was bad for society. In the 3rd C, the Neoplatonist philosopher Porphyry labelled Jesus' followers as impious & anti-social atheists. Their impiety was located, not in what we'd call traditional morality, but in their refusal to engage in the public religious rituals that were understood by the pagan world as a way to gain the favor of the gods.Once Christians were distinguished from Jews, the Faith was no longer grand-fathered into reluctant acceptance. No – it became “superstitio.”For Romans, superstition had a dangerous connotation; far more so that in today's parlance. It meant religious practices not just different form the norm; they were corrosive to society. Superstition was a set of beliefs that if embraced, dehumanized someone. If enough embraced them and were detached from their humanitas, society would unravel; an ancient spiritual zombie apocalypse. Roman squelching of such dangerous superstitions happened in 428 BC when an unnamed group was eradicated for having caused a damaging drought. In 186 BC, the Romans moved against initiates of the cult of Bacchus when they got unruly. And of course, there's the famous Roman campaign against the Druids.The intensity of Christian persecution depended upon how dangerous they were deemed to be by the local official responsible for conducting such oversight. To be frank, Christian beliefs didn't endeared them to many officials. Think about it. They . . .1) Worshipped a convicted criminal,2) Refused to swear by the emperor's genius,3) Railed against Roman depravity in their writings,4) And conducted their suspicious services in private.In his Apologeticus, addressed to the magistrates of Carthage in the Summer of 197 AD, the early church father Tertullian remarked, “We have the reputation of living aloof from crowds.”One of the more frequent word used to describe Christians in the NT is hagios, translated “saints.” Literally = holy ones. Bu the root of the word means to be different, set-apart. If something is holy, it's different from other things. That difference lies in it's purpose. It's for God; dedicated exclusively to Him. So, a temple is holy because it's different from all other buildings; the Sabbath is holy because it's dedicated to God. Christians are saints, because they belong to God. Jesus' followers felt this distinction keenly; they embraced it, knowing it set them at odds with their pagan neighbors.It's human nature to regard those who are different with suspicion. So the more seriously early Christians took their faith the more hostility they faced. Simply by living in obedience to Jesus, Christians condemned paganism. Christians didn't run around wagging their fingers or tongues in condemnation of unbelievers. Nor did they advocate and promotes a self-righteous superiority. It just that the Christian ethic revealed the shabbiness of a pagan life.If that's all the Christians were guilty of though, persecution would not have broken out against them in such fury. What sparked it was their vehement rejection of the pagan gods. The ancient world had deities for everything. There was a goddess for sowing & another for reaping. There was a god for clear skies and another for rain. Mountains had gods, as did trees & rivers & valleys. For Christians, most of who had at one time worshipped these deities, they were a fiction! And it would be one thing to go quietly about their business with that view, you know, keeping their religion to themselves. But pagans wouldn't let them. Because every meal began by pouring out a few drops of wine as an offering to the pagan gods. Feasts & parties were held in a temple after sacrifice. The invitation was to dine at the table of some god. It was an ancient version of Chuck E Cheese. But instead of ignoring the dated mechanical rodent, you had to worship it before being allowed to eat your pizza. Christians simply couldn't attend. When she or he turned down the invitation, they were reviled as rude & anti-social.There were other events and gatherings Christians avoided because they considered them inherently immoral. They weren't alone in that assessment. Many moral pagans objected to them as well. Gladiatorial contests are an example. In theaters across the empire, Romans made prisoners & slaves to fight to the death for amusement & entertainment of the crowd.Refusal to practice idolatry led to financial difficulties. What was a mason to do if as a believer he refused to work stones for a pagan temple or a tailor balked at making a robe for a heathen priest, or a baker refused to make a cake for a . . . never mind.Tertullian forbade Christians teaching school, because it meant using books with stories of the gods.As I share that little piece of history, let's be cognizant of the almost certain reality that Tertullian's position was in all likelihood not something all believers, and not necessarily even all leaders agreed with. Truth be told, his may have been a minority opinion. The problem is we just don't have much evidence of what the rest of the Church held regarding this. There was no tirade of tweets one February in the 3rd C over what occupations Christians could and couldn't fill. It wasn't a topic people blogged on. No Facebook pages were devoted to it. All we have is Tertullian's remark. Maybe his pastoral peers disagreed and sent him pointed emails about it. Forgive the anachronism; I take it you get my point.The larger point for us to glean is that during a time of widespread and aggressive paganism that REQUIRED Christians to go along to get along, many believers found themselves stepping away from public and civil life because in the contest with remaining faithful to Jesus, their conscience demanded it.Everywhere Christians turned their lives and faith were on display because the Gospel introduced a revolutionary new attitude toward life. This was exhibited most clearly in the realms of Sex, Slaves, and Children.The Church of the Modern Era has often endured scorn for its old-fashioned views on the sanctity of marriage & marital physical intimacy. That isn't a criticism early Christians faced, at least from most moral philosophers. On the contrary, ancient Roman moral pundits lamented the abysmal sexual immorality of their times. Raising the sanctity of marriage, along with attitudes toward marital fidelity, was one of the Emperor Augustus' pet projects. Christianity, infused as it was with a Biblical view of marriage and sex, regarded the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, withy marriage as a picture of the Church's union with Christ. Couples who lived out the Gospel in their homes exhibited a quality of life pagans longed for. But it marked them as radically different; and we all know how the mass reacts to that!Slavery was another matter altogether. It was here that Christianity was regarded as a dangerous force for it attributed dignity to all people regardless of status or state. It's reported that when Christians met for their distinctive services, masters and their slaves shed the distinctions that marked their lives just before and after the service. Greco-Roman culture might regard slaves as mere living tools, as Plato described them. But Christians esteemed slaves as of equal value with the free. In a society stratified by endless causes for division, the followers of Jesus bore a shocking disregard for those differences. But with the horrors of periodic slave uprisings still fresh in the collective memory, outsiders came to regard the Christian message as dangerously subversive to the social order.The attitude seemed to be à “Hey, look; it's great the Christians see all people as equal yet are able to maintain the traditional roles our legal system has imposed. But we now that at some point, if more people go in for this Christian thing, the salves will reach a critical mass and will rebel again. Last time they did, I lost 2 friends and I don't want to go through that again.”The sanctity of human life that framed the core of the Christian attitude towards slaves & slavery applied toward children, and in particular, to infants. Unlike their neighbor-pagans, Christians refused to leave their unwanted or physically distressed children in some out of the way place to be left to die of exposure, or to be carried off by traffickers who'd invest a little food now for the pay-off of selling or using them later. In fact, not only did Christian refrain from this barbaric practice, they often rescued such exposed infants and raised them as their own, which of course put an additional financial burden on already strained incomes.We'll halt here and pick it up at this point in the next episode. We'll begin by taking a look at the first systematic persecution under Nero in AD64.
This episode is part 2 of our series considering the impact Christianity has had on history & culture. Today we dig a little deeper into how the Faith impacted the world's view of the sanctity of life.In our last podcast, we talked about the ancient world's widespread practice of infanticide & how Christianity affected a fundamental shift in the way people evaluated life. This elevation of the value of human life came from Christianity's roots in Biblical Judaism with its revelation that human beings are created in God's image, then taken further by the Incarnation; that God became man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The cross reveals how highly God values people. Therefore, God's people must value them as well. So while the pagan world thought little of exposing unwanted infants to the elements & wild beasts, Christians rescued & adopted them, raising them as their own. It was an early & inventive church growth program.Another way the Christian view of the sanctity of life affected the Roman world was its impact è on the arena.The Roman writer Ausonius reported that gladiatorial games began in Rome about 264 BC. By the time Christians arrived there, the Romans had watched many thousands of gladiators fight to the death with one other & beasts. Because the whole thing was meant to be a show, more often than not, the battles weren't quick affairs. They were long, drawn out torments where as soon as one combatant gained a significant advantage on his opponent, he took his time finishing him off to titillate the blood-lust of the spectators. Death by many cuts. As one historian wrote, the 300 year long popularity of the Gladiatorial games “illustrates the pitiless spirit and carelessness of human life lurking behind the pomp, glitter, and cultural pretensions of the great imperial age.”Like infanticide, the games underscore Rome's low regard for human life.Gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war, or condemned criminals, all regarded as expendable. Rome's seeming unstoppable war-machine meant a constant influx of new slaves & prisoners. The games provided a way to reduce the supply to the slave market to keep their price up & keep the legions who sold them supplied with income. So speaking purely pragmatically, the games were a slick arrangement. It helped regulate the slave industry & provided entertainment for the populace. If one poor soul had to die to keep a thousand happy, it was deemed worth it. Social commentators in ancient Rome remarked on how the State kept the ever-ready-to-riot masses pacified by providing free bread & games; giving rise to the phrase – Bread & Circuses.Though over time a handful of gladiator achieved celebrity status, the main bulk of them were considered by society to be loathsome & doomed, assigned by Fate to a pitiless lot. Only a handful of freemen ever willingly became gladiators and if they did it was for money & fame. They enjoyed the applause of the crowd & were willing to imperil their lives to gain it. There were a few women gladiators.Before being allowed to fight in the arena, gladiators were trained. BTW, that word arena comes from the place where gladiatorial contests were waged. Harena is Latin for “sand” and refers to the floor of the theater which was covered w/a fine sand to absorb the blood. The whole aim of the games were to entertain so gladiators were taught the rudiments of combat so they could make a good showing & increase the tension of the spectators. A good deal of gambling took place in the stands as people bet on their hoped-for champion. Because the games were a major event, the famous, rich & powerful were nearly always in attendance, including senators, emperors, pagan priests & vestal virgins.The games weren't held just in Rome. Amphitheaters for games were erected in most major cities of the empire. >> I want to pause briefly and make a clarification. In modern usage, the word amphitheater is often used to describe a venue that's a half circle; like the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. But the prefix amphi means round, a full circle. For the Greeks & Romans, an amphitheater was a full circle, like the Colosseum in Rome. A half circle, is just a theater. Amphitheaters were used for the gladiatorial games while theaters were used primarily for political gatherings, speeches, & plays.Back to the gladiators: In Rome, as combatants entered the arena, they'd file before the emperor's box, salute & shout, “We who are about to die salute you.” They would then fight either man to man or in small teams. Occasionally masses of men would re-enact famous battles from Roman history. But most of the time it was 2 men battling each other to the death. When it became clear one was the victor & his opponent was close to death, the winner would look to the stands for the audience's verdict. If the loser had fought well, they might mark their desire that he be allowed to live by extending their arms & giving a thumbs up. Most times, the crowd wanted to see the match finished by slaying the loser, so they gave thumbs down, the women just as much a part of this as men. All eyes then turned to the emperor whose decision decided the loser's fate. He nearly always went with the crowd's majority.Occasionally gladiators fought wild animals that often got the better of their human opponents. During the early 2nd C, the Emperor Trajan celebrated his conquest of the region of Dacia by hosting games lasting 4 months. Ten thousand gladiators participated & 10,000 animals were killed. Half the gladiators died in the arena while many other died later of their wounds. When Titus inaugurated the Colosseum in Rome in 80 AD, 5,000 animals were killed in a single day, along with hundreds of gladiators.While the average Roman throughout the empire enjoyed the games, Christians were appalled by them. But don't forget, MOST of those early Christians were first, game-loving pagans. A radical transformation took place when they converted. What had once been entertainment became abhorrent as they realized the foolishness of their previous ways. For Christians, the games were gambling with men's lives. They were a shocking violation of the Command, “You shall not murder.”So, Christians refused to attend the games. It wasn't so much a boycott as it was a simple decision to not attend an event so fundamentally a grotesque violation of their deeply held conviction. What used to be entertainment became a deplorable & degrading vice.Pagan critics of the Faith noticed the Christian absence at the games & complained; calling Christians anti-social! One critic accused, “You do not go to our shows; you take no part in our processions . . . you shrink in horror from our sacred games.” Interesting that the games were called sacred by this pagan critic. He saw participation in what the majority did civilly as a kind of civil religion everyone needed to be a willing part of or they presented a threat & danger to society. As we consider that attitude of the ancient Roman Empire toward Christianity, it speaks volumes to us today about how Christians are once again marginalized for our moral stand on same-sex marriage & intellectual position on theism & creation.Church leaders called upon their members to not attend the games or other pagan celebrations where debauchery was on display. In AD 220 Tertullian wrote a book called “Concerning Shows” & devoted an entire chapter admonishing Christians to not attend the games.Evidence of the profound impact Christianity has had on history & the valuation of human life is that today, as we read this chapter of the history of the Roman Empire, we shudder at the barbarity & butchery of the gladiatorial games. It's appalling imagining people in the stands screaming for blood, cheering as a gladius is drawn slowly across the neck of some poor hapless slave.Christianity's high regard for all human life eventually moved Christian emperors to ban the games. Historians agree – it was the growth of the Faith & the persuasion of the Gospel that affected a fundamental shift in the way people regarded life. People grew uneasy with the idea that they were entertained by cruelty & murder. The emperors Theodosius & his son Honorius brought an official end to the games in the late 4th C after 7 centuries of brutality and untold thousands slaughtered for no more reason that entertainment.Someone might ask if the modern penchant for violence in movies & TV, with all the blood & gore isn't a return to the moral bankruptcy of the Roman games. There's an important difference – in movies & TV, everyone knows it's contrived – no one is actually hurt. In fact, stunt crews go to great lengths to ensure they aren't; whereas in the ancient games, the victor was cheered & encouraged by the crowds to finish it by brutally killing his opponent. Even in modern boxing matches, the referee stops the match when one of the contestants is in danger of real harm.Where this seems to be changing though is in the realm of MMA where combatants aim at doing real harm to their opponent and injury is common. As the sport grows & more fighters enter the octagon, the crowd's thirst for the spectacular keeps growing apace. We can only hope they don't ever get to the point where they stand, extend their arm and give a thumbs down on a loser who's tapped out.Christianity had a positive impact on other Romans laws as soon as the Emperor became a Christian. In 315 Constantine banned the practice of branding the faces of criminals condemned to serve in the mines or as gladiators. He did so because man was created in the image of God and the face is a special & unique way of identifying individuals. He eventually banned all branding of slaves. He also required people arrested for a crime be given a speedy trial, since holding them implied guilt by holding them against their will. Coming to see the cross as a most cruel form of execution, crucifixion was also outlawed.Constantine's son Constantius followed in his father's reforming ways. He segregated male & female prisoners, to which we say, “Duh!” But know this, until the mid-4th C, male & female prisoners were incarcerated together. And yes, you can imagine what that meant for the poor women. It reveals what low regard Greco-Roman culture had for women who weren't under the manus, that is - the controlling hand of a husband. Such women were considered fair game for the unwelcomed attention of men. The elevation of women found in the Bible brought social transformation where ever the Faith spread.We've already considered the long historical debate over the legitimacy of Constantine's conversion. Was it real or feigned because he could see which way the religio-political winds among Rome's legions were blowing? His reforming of these deep-seated Roman customs regarding the sanctity of life do suggest he really understood the implications of the Gospel & had some kind of a moral revolution himself. A guy who merely used Christianity when it was convenient wouldn't call for the radical reformation of centuries old traditions knowing the social unrest it would cause unless he was convinced it was the right thing to do.Another way the Christian view of the sanctity of life shines through in transforming the ancient world is in the end it brought to human sacrifice, a fairly common practice in paganism. Child sacrifices were common rituals for Canaanite worshipers of Baal. Before Patrick arrived in Ireland, the Druids sacrificed both adults & infants. As late the 13th & 14th Centuries, the yet unreached Prussians & Lithuanians practice human sacrifice. In the New World, the Aztecs & Mayans both sacrificed many thousands of victims in blood orgies. The Aztecs would even subdue a neighboring tribe just to produce victims to sacrifice, leaving pools of blood at the base of their pyramids.But where ever the Gospel went & people were converted to faith in Christ, human sacrifice came to an end.Finally, where ever the Gospel reached, people's views of suicide changed. The philosophy of Stoicism which held a powerful sway over the mindset of the Roman Empire, put little value on human life, including one's own. The ancient Romans had gone all in on the idea of quality of life. The only lives that bore any quality were those of the rich, powerful & privileged. The lower classes were taught to accept the fact that Fate had passed them by & the best they could aspire to was to make the lives of the blessed a little better before giving up their pathetic little lives. Suicide was considered a viable option when life was just too much to endure.Some Greeks & Romans even considered suicide a glorious end. The person who took their own life in their own time, their own way was the master of their own fate – not leaving death to claim them at its whim. Many notable Romans took their own lives, including Cato, Seneca, Petronius & some of the Emperors. Suicide was lauded as brave, a noble thing to do if it meant avoiding shame.It's sad therefore to see the modern resurrection of the old arguments for suicide, that it's noble if it means being the master of your own destiny, avoiding shame, or is a rebuttal to the supposed lack of quality of a person's life. Christians joyously announce that in fact we AREN'T the masters of our fate, God is. Shame is dealt with at the cross, & the issue isn't quality of life – it's sanctity of life. Quality is subjective, with one person's abyssmalation being another's glory, & vice versa. Abyssmalation isn't even a word – but it gets the point across.Christianity regards suicide as self-murder, a most obvious violation of the sanctity of life. It's also, in nearly all cases, a profound loss of faith in God; concluding that one's life is beyond God's ability to rescue, restore & redeem.Interestingly, while suicide came to be generally regarded as incompatible with Faith in God, it wasn't until the Council of Elvira in 305 that it was formally condemned. And even then it wasn't suicide as an act of desperation that was in view by the ban placed on it. What prompted the Council's ban was the fact some Christians were too eager to be martyred. Remember that the couple decades just before Constantine became emperor were times of great & bloody persecution for Christians. Martyrs had achieved heroic status. What had been meant as a way to encourage Christians to stay faithful went overboard & became a kind of perverse delight in being martyred. So there were dozens who could easily have survived just by exercising some simple wisdom. But they nearly dared their tormentors to kill them, thinking that by doing so they were being heroic and would earn more points with God. Really, it was an ancient form of suicide by cop – in this case, suicide by executioner = Martyrdom. The Council of Elvira called a halt to it in 305.Clement of Alexandria, Lactantius, Gregory of Nazianus & Eusebius all condemned suicide. But the most vociferously opposed to it was Augustine in the 5th C. You may remember he wrote against the Donatists in North Africa. The Donatists believed there was no forgiveness of sins after baptism, so some had gone to extreme measures & agreed to a mass suicide right after being dunked.Augustine reasoned suicide violated the command “You shall not murder.” He pointed out that in the Bible, none of the Heroes of the Faith took their own lives and when Elijah asked God to slay him, God refused.As the years passed, the Roman church added more prescriptions to suicide in the hope no one would even think about it for the way it would consign the soul to eternal darkness. Public attitude toward suicide eventually changed to such a degree that it went from being considered noble to cowardly. Instead of using it to escape shame, it became a means to it.In our next episode, we'll consider Christianity's impact on sexual morality.
We're changing gears a bit to begin a series of podcasts considering the impact Christianity has had on the world. We'll unpack how the Faith has left its imprint on society. The Title of this episode is The Change - Part 1: The Sanctity of Life.Knowing my fascination with history and especially the history of Rome, a few years ago, someone recommended I watch a mini-series that aired on a cable network. While it was dramatic historical fiction, the producers did a good job of presenting the customs & values of 1st C BC Roman culture. While the series was suspenseful & entertaining, it was difficult to watch because of the brutality that was commonplace. And it wasn't put in merely for the sake of titillation or to make the shows more provocative. It was an accurate depiction of the time. More than once, I found myself near tears, broken over just how lost the world was. Several times I said out loud, "They needed Jesus!"Exactly! THAT was the very era Jesus was born into & the culture the Gospel spread in. How desperately the Roman Empire needed the life-affirming message the Early Church preached & lived.There's an old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” When the early Christians came to Rome, we can be thankful they DIDN'T do what the Romans did. On the contrary, slowly but surely, with fits & starts, they eventually transformed the Greco-Roman world from rank paganism to a more or less Biblical worldview. Nowhere was that seen more clearly than in the change that was made to the sanctity of human life.During the early days of the Roman republic, the high value put on the family unit formed a moral base that lent a certain weight to the value of the individual. But as the idea of the State grew during the late republic, then blossomed in the Empire, people were evaluated in terms of what they could contribute to the State. That meant people on the bottom of the social scale had little to no value. The poor, women, and slaves became chattel; property to be used. Life became cheap. And the pagan gods bequeathed no real moral virtue into the Roman world. They were understood to be whimsical & selfish at the best of times, cruel in the worst.The Christian value of the sanctity or specialness of human beings was based in the Jewish view of man as created in God's image. There was a healthy Jewish population in the City of Rome itself & scattered throughout other major cities of the Empire. Early on, the unique Jewish view of man had infiltrated the Roman world where ever Jews were to be found. So different was this view of man from the paganized Greco-Roman worldview that many of the more enlightened Greeks & Romans had begun attending Jewish synagogues. If they stayed, they became known as God-fearers; Gentiles who believed in the God of the Bible, but hadn't become full converts to Judaism by being circumcised, baptized, & keeping kosher. They occupied a section in many synagogues, sitting by themselves to hear the teaching of Scripture. The book of Acts tells us some of Paul's most fruitful work was in this God-Fearer section of the synagogue.The Jewish idea of men & women being created in God's image took on new potency when the Gospel was preached, for it told of God becoming man. And becoming a man so He could go to the cross to ransom lost men & women; translating them from a destiny in hell to the glory of heaven. All this spoke of God's view of the value of human beings. If He would endure the passion & cross, it meant life was of inestimable value. Rather than life being cheap, it was to be honored and protected at all costs, regardless of its station or quality.One way the early Christian demonstrated this was the church's opposition to the widespread practice of infanticide. It was common to expose unwanted children soon after birth, either by drowning or leaving them on exposed where the elements or wild beasts would finish them. They were left to die for physical deformities, for being of the wrong sex, or simply because the parents couldn't afford another mouth to feed.Abandoning unwanted infants was quite common in the Greco-Roman world. In fact, the founding myth of Rome begins with 2 infant boys being tossed into the Tiber River. Romulus & Remus both survived to be suckled by a she-wolf, then raised by an elderly shepherd. It was their later struggle that founded the city of Rome, named for one of the brothers - Romulus.So in the city of Rome itself, parents would regularly leave unwanted children at the base of the Columna Lactaria. In later times, Roman parents would abandon their infants there to show grief over some national calamity, like the death of a beloved emperor. To put that in modern terms, imagine someone dropping off their 2 week old infant at a memorial for 9/11 - and just walking away; thinking that somehow shows solidarity with everyone's shock & grief. Yet that's what many Romans did with their newborns when calamity struck.Greeks also practiced infanticide by abandoning infants. They did so because it was woven into their mythology. The well-known Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex revolves around Oedipus who at only 3 days was abandoned by his father King Laius of Thebes. Ion, founder of Ionia was abandoned as an infant by his mother. Poseidon, Aesculapius, & Hephaistos were all abandoned infants. Even Paris who started the Trojan War was abandoned as a child. In Sparta, every newborn was brought before the elders for inspection. If the child was deemed weak in any way, it was abandoned.As shocking, is realizing in all the literature come to us from that time, nowhere is there a shred of evidence infanticide was wrong, or even questioned.Infanticide wasn't practiced just among the Greeks & Romans; other ancient societies practiced it as well. Plutarch said the Carthaginians had made infant sacrifice a regular occurrence. When building a new house or wall, they mixed the blood of an infant with the mortar, thinking it made the wall stronger. If a wealthy family had no new-born to offer, they'd buy one off a poor mother. Though we don't have a record of what was on the 12 Tablets that formed the basis of Roman Law & civilization, we know a good deal of what was in them from the quotes of later Romans. Cicero says it was part of Roman law to expose deformed infants. In the 1st C AD, Seneca, remarks in passing, without batting the proverbial eye, that deformed infants were routinely drowned. Infanticide was so common in the later Greek era that in the 2nd C BC, Polybius blamed a population decline on it. Because infanticide was so common, large families among both Greeks & Romans was rare. An inscription found at Delphi reveals that in a 2nd C sample of 600 families, only 1% had more than 1 daughter! Infanticide was practiced in India, China, Japan, Africa, the rainforests of Brazil, among the Inuit, & among the native North & Central Americans.Early Christians balked not at calling infanticide, murder. To them, infants were creatures of God who bore His image no less than their mature counterparts. They'd heard of Jesus' attention to little children in Matthew 19. That passage is interesting because the disciples thought the children approaching Jesus weren't worthy of His august attention. In their attitude toward the little ones, contrary as it was to Jesus' own perspective, we catch of glimpse of how the Greco-Roman culture had influenced them. The pre-Roman Jewish culture put a huge emphasis on children. They were regarded as a great blessing from God. Children were God's promise of a future! Yet in the disciples' shooing the children away from Jesus, we see how the Greco-Roman devaluing of life had infected them.We ought to reflect on how the modern abortion debate may have affected our valuation of human life. The parallels to the current population decline among ethnic Europeans ought to be obvious & a sign of how the Judeo-Christian worldview has been gutted from Western civilization.The Didache, the standard catechism used by the Church in the 1st C tells Christians, "You shall not commit infanticide." It's condemned in the Epistle of Barnabas, written about 130. In AD 222, the 1-time slave turned bishop of Rome, Callistus expressed his dismay at the widespread practice of exposing unwanted infants.It was this & the very vocal Christian opposition to it that helped fuel the persecution the early church faced in so many places around the Empire. The Romans placed great stock in tradition and looked with suspicion on anyone who sought to change it. The Christians were doing just that with their radical ideas about how to treat the unwanted.While Christians opposed infanticide, they were unable to do anything about it as a social policy while they were an outlawed group. It wasn't until the Edict of Milan in AD 313 that they were able to even speak to official policy. Then, only 60 years later Emperor Valentinian, at the urging of Basil of Caesarea, outlawed the wicked practice of infanticide.But while they waited for the laws to change, early Christians didn't sit on their hands. They regularly went out to the hillsides where children were left exposed and took them into their homes, raising them as their own children. In Rome, Bishop Callistus organized people to roam the streets in the late evening, looking for abandoned children. He then placed them in the homes of parents wanting them. As far as we know, this was the first organized adoption agency, even though it was done on the sly. The famous martyr Polycarp's protégé, Benignus of Dijon, recused & nurtured abandoned little ones, ministering to the needs of children who'd been deformed because of botched abortions. Afra of Augsburg, a notorious prostitute before her conversion to Christ, began a ministry to the abandoned children of prisoners, thieves, smugglers, pirates, runaway slaves, and all sorts of ne'er-do' wells.No one should get the impression from this that following Valentinian's outlawing of infanticide & child-abandonment, there was an immediate, overnight end to the practice. Far from it. People in Europe & the Eastern Empire continued to off their off spring in large numbers. And Christians continued to adopt them. But as the influence of the Christian worldview spread, there was a deep & fundamental shift that took place in the way people viewed human life; all of it from cradle to grave. And where that respect for life settled in, infanticide evaporated. It got to the point where a single abandoned infant became a shocking event the news of which spread like wild-fire. And when desperation moved some young mother to abandon her child, where did she leave it? Not on a hillside to let it die. No. She left it on the doorstep of the local church because she knew her child would be taken care of.So it ought to be with the deepest kind of grief that we hear now about newborns being left in dumpsters & gas station restrooms. It seems we've regressed, not progressed; devolved, not evolved. Society has at any rate. And to think - there are people who actually rejoice that the Christian worldview has been cut loose from modern society.We have abortion, which is really just an earlier form of infanticide. Partial birth abortion isn't even that! If a woman doesn't make the appointment to rid herself of the unwanted before it's born, no problem; when in Rome, do as the Romans do.What's next? Gladiatorial combat? Oops - too late. // Slavery? Again, too late. It's already here.We'll be taking a look at many more ways the Christian Faith has impacted culture & civilization in the weeks to come.