Venatio

Time Period: Originated in 2nd century B.C.

Description: Venatio was similar to Gladiator games, and dedicated to Diana, goddess of the hunt. Here armed men would kill anywhere between and exotic animals. It was often used for punishment for criminals, or more commonly, Christians. Punishments included mauling by large animals, such as lions or bears.

How it was played: Armed men would be placed in an arena with various types of wild animals released inside that they would kill. If one survived, they could live to fight another day. The matches were almost never even, as thousands could be killed by a handful of hunters.