The reforms which
Marcus introduced into these "crudelissima spectacula," all having the
common purpose of limiting their extent, were three. First, he set bounds
to the extreme cost of these exhibitions; and this restriction of the cost
covertly operated as a restriction of the practice. Secondly,--and this
ordinance took effect whenever he was personally present, if not oftener,
--he commanded, on great occasions, that these displays should be
bloodless. Dion Cassius notices this fact in the following words:--"The
Emperor Marcus was so far from taking delight in spectacles of bloodshed,
that even the gladiators in Rome could not obtain his inspection of their
contests, unless, like the wrestlers, they contended without imminent
risk; for he never allowed them the use of sharpened weapons, but
universally they fought before him with weapons previously blunted."
Thirdly, he repealed the old and uniform regulation, which secured to the
gladiators a perpetual immunity from military service. This necessarily
diminished their available amount. Being now liable to serve their country
usefully in the field of battle, whilst the concurrent limitation of the
expenses in this direction prevented any proportionate increase of their
numbers, they were so much the less disposable in aid of the public
luxury.
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