Two things, Pyr.
When you ask any question about "How the Romans did x" you need to specify a "when." Ancient Rome covers in excess of 1,000 years and they were not wedded to tradition. In fact, one of their most striking qualities is the degree to which they incorporated great new ideas when they saw them. The gladiatorial games originated in the mid 3d century BC as a funeral rite. Three centuries later you get to what Seneca was talking about.
BTW, this fictional excerpt from "I Claudius" does touch on some issues which show up in sporadic Roman commentary although generally later than the Augustan period.
Second, I highly recommend this book.
http://www.salon.com/2013/02/24/the_myth...ersecuted/
I wish I had an electronic copy because I'd be shoving it up the asses of all these xtian morons who are always whining about being persecuted. Well worth the read if you can find it in a library or book store.
When you ask any question about "How the Romans did x" you need to specify a "when." Ancient Rome covers in excess of 1,000 years and they were not wedded to tradition. In fact, one of their most striking qualities is the degree to which they incorporated great new ideas when they saw them. The gladiatorial games originated in the mid 3d century BC as a funeral rite. Three centuries later you get to what Seneca was talking about.
BTW, this fictional excerpt from "I Claudius" does touch on some issues which show up in sporadic Roman commentary although generally later than the Augustan period.
Second, I highly recommend this book.
http://www.salon.com/2013/02/24/the_myth...ersecuted/
I wish I had an electronic copy because I'd be shoving it up the asses of all these xtian morons who are always whining about being persecuted. Well worth the read if you can find it in a library or book store.
Quote:Moss also examines surviving Roman records. She notes that during the only concerted anti-Christian Roman campaign, under the emperor Diocletian between 303 and 306, Christians were expelled from public offices. Their churches, such as the one in Nicomedia, across the street from the imperial palace, were destroyed. Yet, as Moss points out, if the Christians were holding high offices in the first place and had built their church “in the emperor’s own front yard,” they could hardly have been in hiding away in catacombs before Diocletian issued his edicts against them.
