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The analysis of a fossil skull provides the first direct proof that bears fought in Roman arenas, and tells a disturbing story of animal mistreatment.
For the citizens of the ancient Roman Empire, a trip to the amphitheater meant an exciting day of entertainment. For many gladiators and animals involved, however, it was a struggle for survival.
A new one, published last week in the magazine Antiquitynow provides the first direct proof that they were used pardon bears in the Roman arenas, revealing a Dark portrait of brutal treatment to which they were subjected.
“This study presents the first direct osteological evidence of the participation of pads-bears in Roman shows, offering a view of the importance of these animals in the shows throughout the Empire,” say the study authors, quoted by Live Science.
Historians have long knew, thanks to old texts and images in mosaics and ceramics, which The Romans used bears for entertainment in the amphitheaters. However, the physical proof was missing.
In the study, the researchers analyzed the fragmented and damaged skull of a pardo bear, excavated in Serbia in 2016.
The finding arose next to the entrance of the ruins of a second century amphitheater in the ancient and important Roman city of Vimimacium. In the bones was written a UNDERSTANDING HISTORY OF ANIMAL BOLYSE.
Nemanja Markovic et al / antiquity
The archaeologists analyzed a fragmented pard-bear skull found near the ancient Vimimacium amphitheater.
A brutal past
Much of the cranial vault of the bear was preserved, providing abundant material for scientific analysis. The animal, a male about six, died approximately 1,700 years ago.
Had suffered a extensive fracture on the front bone caused by a violent impact – probably by a similar spear or weapon. But that was not the immediate cause of death.
Radiographs and computed tomography showed that the injury had started to heal, but was complicated by an infectionoriginating osteomyelitis (bone inflammation). The animal’s jaws also displayed signs of infection.
Canine analysis also revealed a excessive wear, Unusual in wild bears. This type of dental damage is typical of captive animals that, in stress situation, rise the bars of the cages.
This suggests that The bear will have lived trapped for a long time – Maybe years. The animal’s misfortune may have led him to participate in numerous shows In the viminactic amphitheater, facing hunters or other animals.
Investigators cannot affirm If the bear died in the middle of the arena. Consider the initial wound to occur in combat and that the subsequent infection contributed to his death Some time later.
