Sports played a considerable role in Ancient Greek and Roman society. The Olympics which started in Greece featured several sporting events which included many that are still featured in the track and field area of todays Olympics. The entire spectacle, both audience and athletes, consisted entirely of male athletes who were citizens. Women were not permitted in the games it would be considered rather absurd if a women tried to spectate the games. The athletes competed in the nude because the body of the athlete was celebrated and seen as a spectacle to the onlookers. Violence was much more prevalent in the games in both of these Mediterranean empires. Physical force was sometimes used to enforce the rules and regulations. The sports were played to honor the Gods. Instead of playing for an athletes personal glory as in todays society, gaining favor with the Gods was the ultimate goal. Athletes who competed poorly were considered to have brought shame to themselves in the eyes of the Gods.
The primary sport spectacle in the Roman empire was the Gladiator battles. Participants of the battles were slaves or prisoners of war and were forced to fight to the death. The battles were also seen as a tribute to the Gods, but were also greatly integrated in the Politics of roman society. Gladiators had owners who would try to gain favor in politics by assembling the best gladiators.
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