That mindset of that culture is difficult for me to understand. People had to sit down and plan these things out.
YEARS ago I read a book on some of the behind-the-scenes-arena stuff.
One chapter told of the flesh of dead gladiators or others being sewn on to burlap. Slaves then had to wear this covering and go into a lions cage, acting submissive.
It seems the newly-captured lions were afraid of humans and had to be trained to attack them. That and to get them used to the taste of human flesh. Rough on the slaves. Reminded me of the meticulous way the Nazis designed their crematoria to use the melting fat of their victims as a fuel supplement.
The book also mentioned a bunch of sickos who would wait along the route of the Christians as they were led to the lions or other animal slaughters. They would jeer and feel up the victims as they passed. One time the guy in charge got so disgusted, he captured them and put them “on stage” with the Christians.
The book also mentioned how baboons were trained to rape children.
Gave new meaning to the word “depraved”.
horrifying. Would appreciate it if you could ping me if you remember the name of that book.