Bear Skull Reveals Roman Gladiator Fights
Roman gladiator bear skull shows cage marks and fractures.
Why it matters
- First fossil evidence of bears in Roman gladiator fights.
- Shows brutal treatment of animals for entertainment.
By the numbers
- Bear was 6 years old.
- Amphitheater held 7,000 spectators.
- Skull dated to 240-350 A.D.
The big picture
- Adds to knowledge of Roman entertainment culture.
- Highlights historical human-animal relationships.
What they're saying
- Readers express sadness over the bear's treatment.
- Some question the accuracy of the article's illustration.
Caveats
- Exact cause of death is uncertain, but trauma and infection likely contributed.
What’s next
- Further research on other animal remains at the site could provide more insights.