Blood and Spectacle: The Gory Truth Behind Ancient Rome’s Gladiatorial Games

As I sat down to watch the trailer for Prime Video’s newest series, Those About To Die, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The show’s focus on the world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome promised to delve into the darker side of human nature, and I was curious to see how they would tackle such a heavy subject.

The grandeur of Ancient Rome’s gladiatorial arenas

Iwan Rheon, known for his chilling portrayal of Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, takes the lead role in this 10-part series, and I have no doubt that he will bring the same level of intensity and passion to this new project. The show is based on a non-fiction book by Daniel P Mannix, which also served as an inspiration for the movie Gladiator and its upcoming sequel.

“The roar of the crowd, the clash of steel on steel, the stench of sweat and blood – it’s a world like no other.” - Anonymous roman spectator

Those About To Die explores the spectacle-driven world of gladiatorial competition in Ancient Rome, delving into the dark side of entertaining the masses with blood and sport. The series follows a diverse group of characters from different corners of the Roman Empire as they navigate the intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

A gladiator prepares for battle

In addition to Iwan Rheon, the series boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Gabriella Pession, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of the series since the trailer dropped last month, with many expressing their excitement and praise for the production.

As I reflect on the world of gladiatorial sports, I am reminded of the words of the great Roman philosopher, Cicero: “The welfare of the people is the highest law.” It’s a stark reminder of the harsh realities of Ancient Rome, where the value of human life was weighed against the entertainment of the masses.

The iconic Colosseum, symbol of Rome’s power and grandeur

With the release of Gladiator 2 on the horizon, it’s clear that our fascination with Ancient Rome’s bloody past shows no signs of fading. Those About To Die promises to offer a fresh take on this captivating world, and I for one can’t wait to step into the arena and experience it for myself.

Those About To Die will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting July 19th. Get ready to bleed.