This is a comprehensive account of the gladiators from the very beginning of their era until the time of their decline. The amphitheatres, the emperors who sealed the fate of the Games and the Roman Empire (Nero, Caligula, Commodus, Tiberius, Claudius pay us a visit), the variety of the spectacles, the mechanisms and the sheer, unthinkable cruelty of this ''institution'', the holy martyrs who became prey to the beasts because of the strength of their faith.

However, despite the enganging and simple language Baker uses, he commits a mistake that I have come to found more and more often in History books of late. He interrupts his narration by inserting his personal comments and opinions and passes judgement without presenting any concrete evidence to support them, other than a ''recent historians believe such-and-such...'''. I am sorry, but you are writing neither a book of speculative fiction, nor a thesis to support your standing. You are writing to inform. You're supposed to write a History book not the script of ''Gladiator'' or ''Rome''. Since I have read quite a lot of books about the Roman times, this one falls terribly short in comparison. This is a major fault.

It may be an average starting point for the readers who wish to familiarize themselves with the subject, but for the Roman-era aficionado it is terribly lacking. ( )

A terribly disappointing read. I accepted the author's assertion in the introduction that this was meant to be an accessible rather than an academic history (to explain the lack of footnotes).
However, the author's inclusion of basic historical background on every major historical figure mentioned strikes me as padding, especially when not pertinent to the matter at hand.
This material swamps the passages regarding gladiators.
One confusing piece early on in the book suggests that the author does not distinguish between a military tribune and the plebeian tribunes. (A quick look at a list of his books shows no other works of ancient history)
The final showpiece chapter on a Day at the Games is probably well intentioned, but strikes me as overblown historical fiction, with an emphasis on gore and "insights" on motivations and feelings.
Ignoring these shortcomings, there is a lot of material not suggested by either the title or introduction - such as the execution of captives at the games - which might have been welcome if the book had been any good; but it's not. ( )