SUCCESSION SITUATIONS DETERMINED BY SPORTING EVENTS IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE
SUCCESSION SITUATIONS DETERMINED BY SPORTING EVENTS IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Summary/Abstract: Sporting events have been an important part of Roman life. They were attended, in different positions, of course, by both emperors and slaves, free men and prisoners, rich and poor. The cultural impact is undeniable, as evidenced by the statues, inscriptions and artworks dedicated to athletes. From an economic point of view, sporting events became a source of income in ancient Rome and marked the emergence of the first professional athletes. In addition to this festive side of the Games, however, there were also negative aspects. The competitions were often marked by fierce fighting, bloodshed, and death. Before the fight, the athletes prepared for their demise, and the spectators watched the disputes. Despite not being direct participants in the races, spectators were not spared from death either. Death was sometimes present among them. Therefore, during sporting events in ancient Rome, the problem of the succession of participants in sporting competitions arose. The way in which they chose to prepare for a possible occurrence of death changed over time and the categories of heirs changed as well. From the Law of the Twelve Tables to the reforms of Emperor Justinian, each participant tried to weigh and distribute as wisely as possible the inheritance they were to leave on earth. Nevertheless, the question arises as to whether certain categories of heirs also regarded with keen interest the moment when they truly became entitled to the inheritance.

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