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© Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2017 THE TRUTH ABOUT GLADIATORS ?      Gladiators and the events in the arena have for long been the subject of misinterpretation - so what is the truth ? Part VIX of    © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2017 open images in a new tab to view full size Academics are not always very well paid One way to dramatically increase their income is to either make documentaries for TV or DVD companies – and another way is to publish a ‘startling’ new theory – overturning previously accepted paradigms. Spartacus - TV Series The route to documentary making is the one most favoured by academics in the field of Classical studies, particularly as a result of the new interest in ‘epic’ and 'gladiator' films. The other route is often less lucrative, but more easily open to those who are not so naturally ‘photogenic’. Professional Footballer Such a ‘startling new theory’ regarding 'Ludi' (Games) and gladiators, is one suggested by Professor Steven L Tuck, of the

© Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2017 RELIGION MYSTERY AND MYSTICISM    Almost from the very beginning, 'The Story of Gracchus' is suffused with elements of 'classical' religion, mystery and mysticism - and the immortal gods have a central role in scheme of things Part VIII of    open images in a new tab to view full size For people living in the 'classical world' - particularly at the time at which the Story of Gracchus is set, every aspect of life was hedged around with the beliefs and rituals of religion. The Latin term 'religiō', origin of the modern term 'religion', is of ultimately obscure etymology. Marcus Tullius Cicero It is recorded beginning in the 1st century BC, i.e. in Classical Latin, at the beginning of the Roman Empire, notably by Marcus Tullius Cicero, in the sense of  ' scrupulous or strict observance of the traditional cultus '. The classical explanation of the word, traced to Cicero himself, derives it from 're'-