Dr. David Matz, retired professor and chair of the Department of Classics at St. Bonaventure, has published his eighth book: “Ancient Roman Sports, A-Z. Athletes, Venues, Events, and Terms.” (McFarland & Company). The book includes entries on chariot racing and gladiatorial shows, as well as other sports, such as fishing, hunting, swimming, boxing and wrestling.
Charioteer Appuleius Diocles, in a career spanning 24 years, competed in 4,257 races, winning an astounding 1,462 of them. Alypius, the young friend of St. Augustine, was both drawn to and repulsed by gladiatorial battles and struggled to shake his mania for the spectacle of blood sport.
Brief abstracts of the entries are included for quick reference, along with an expansive glossary and biographical notes on the ancient authors cited.
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