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+--- Thread: The degree of monopoly held by Roman State (/showthread.php?tid=24417)
The degree of monopoly held by Roman State - Kevin layfield - 11-04-2014
I've often heard that starting with Augustus, the emperor/government largely held a monopoly on gladiatorial games. I understand this to mean that they controlled many ludii and were the primary sponsors of the games, but was it absolute? Was a private citizen still allowed to become a lanista at their very own ludus? If they did, was it possible that the Roman state would still employ them and their gladiators? Were there ever any games held and sponsored by entities other than the emperor? This is just something I've been wondering over the past few months of research, and haven't been able to find any sources that give a concrete yes or no to the question. Thanks for reading/answering!