The greater frequency of chariot races can be defined partly by the reality that they were comparatively inexpensive compared with the large costs of gladiatorial fight. The editor who staged the games often rented the gladiators from a lanista and was required to reimburse him for losers executed in response to a “thumbs down” sign. [newline]Brutal as these combats were, most of the gladiators have been free males who volunteered to fight, an obvious sign of intrinsic motivation. Indeed, imperial edicts had been wanted to discourage the aristocracy’s participation. During the reign of Nero (54–68), female gladiators have been launched into the world. It is unlikely that the 7th-century Islamic conquest of North Africa radically altered the normal sports of the region. As long as wars were fought with bow and arrow, archery contests continued to serve as demonstrations of ready prowess.

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