The transition from religious obligation to mere entertainment in Roman games reflects a shift in societal values over time, as sports were a major part of life, with gladiatorial combat and chariot races being extremely popular, making gladiators and chariot racers celebrities.

The Romans enjoyed feats of athletic strength, which they found impressive and entertaining, reflecting the pinnacle of human physical capability.

The Romans were very into ritual and sacrifice, taking their religious practices seriously as part of their identity.

The construction of the Colosseum was driven by Rome's wealth and power, serving as a venue for public spectacles tied to religious rituals.

The Byzantine Empire had politically charged factions tied to chariot teams, leading to significant riots, showing how seriously the Romans took their sports.

While gladiatorial games did involve animal fights, they were often exaggerated in movies; typically, exotic animals were showcased to demonstrate wealth and power.

Gladiators in Roman society exemplified status dissonance, as they were often slaves yet could achieve fame and admiration through their combat skills, creating a complex social dynamic.

Roman religion was polytheistic, borrowing many gods from Greek mythology, with different cities having their own patron deities. The Romans had an open-minded approach to religion, often integrating new beliefs from conquered societies into their own practices, seeing them as analogous to their existing gods.

The rise of monotheistic religions marks a significant shift in mentality, contrasting the ancient belief in multiple legitimate gods, which shaped the cultural landscape of the Roman Empire. Before 300 AD, Romans practiced a form of pagan polytheism where multiple gods were worshipped without a central religious authority, making religion an auxiliary aspect of life rather than a driving force.