Parmularii et cetera... On sources, silence of law and nature of the supporters of gladiatorial fights in Rome during the Republic and Early Empire

Abstract

The enormous popularity of gladiatorial games, noted fights between fans of Pompeii and Nuceria, spontaneous demonstrations by viewers reinforced by the brutality of shows tend to suggest that a serious problem of threat to public order from the audience in the amphitheatre existed in Rome during the Principate. Meanwhile, Roman sources show relatively few examples of aggression. Also, Roman law did not create separate regulations, the task of which was to influence the behavior of spectators. The reasons for this situation were embedded not only in the Lex Iulia theatralis, but also in the nature of the Roman “devoted fans”. They were clearly divided into supporters of the various categories of gladiators, which resulted in their internal breakdown and impeded dangerous collective behavior.