The picture below gives us an idea of how gladiatorial shows, known as "Munera" formed part of Ancient Roman religion. Since Etruscan times, war captives and slaves were used as gladiators to honour the funerals of the great and to satiate the spirits' thirst for blood.
In this picture we can see the attendees of this ancient roman funeral watching on as the body (at the top of the heap of wood) is cremated. Such was ancient roman religion!
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