From Ancient Rome To Today: 4 Games Played By Emperors And Their Modern Equivalents
In history, Ancient Rome had rulers who enjoyed games that involved intelligence and risk-taking. The interesting part is that some of these games have now evolved to their modern versions that still entertain people.
When we look at the Ancient Roman history of emperors having fun, most of them went for entertainment that had high stakes; think gladiator fights and chariot racing. It’s fascinating to see how human nature hasn’t changed much when it comes to the appeal of games.
In this blog, we are going to look at four games played by emperors and their modern equivalents to see how each one evolved.
Claudius: The Strategist Of Ludus Aleae (Close To Today’s Poker)
Emperor Claudius was a deep thinker and loved games that involved chance and luck. He was different from the ruthless rulers before him in the sense that he valued intelligence and methodical decision-making. These traits might be why he loved the game Ludus Aleae, a dice-based gambling game. Ludus Aleae is a game that involves chance, skill, and deception and requires players to place bets based on the possible outcomes.
Poker is a similar game to Ludus Aleae in the sense that it also involves probability, strategy, and reading the opponent’s mind. Poker is different from other gambling games in the sense it requires more knowledge of odds and psychology rather than luck. One of the best examples of how poker is easy to learn but hard to master is from the life of professional poker players. In an interview with poker pro Nikki Limo, she revealed that she learned poker at the age of nine, demonstrating how accessible the game is for beginners while still offering a path to mastery for those who take it seriously. Her story shows how poker welcomes players with an option to master the game for those willing to take it seriously.
From Ludus Aleae to modern poker, strategic games have always appealed not only to regular people but also to emperors and leaders. However, poker variations are not the only examples, as many other games hold a similar allure, as we will see below.
Augustus Enjoyed Dice Games: Ventiuna Vs. Modern Blackjack
Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, was a skilled military leader and also a regular gambler based on historical texts. He often played dice games such as Ventiuna. Ventiuna can be considered as an early version of blackjack. The rules are similar: get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The difference was it used dice instead of cards. Augustus was a high-stakes player and sometimes gambled large amounts of money just for entertainment.
The closest equivalent to this game today is Blackjack. Blackjack is a card game where you have to beat the dealer by getting a hand closer to 21. You can either hit to take a card, stand to pass the turn or double down to increase the bet if you are confident. There is also an option to split if you get drawn to the same pair of cards.
This involves a lot of probability analysis, strategy, and calculated risk-taking. Blackjack has also evolved to new variations over time. In fact, Pontoon 21 is a popular alternative where there are certain changes to the traditional game. For example, players always win a Blackjack and pay 3:2 instead of 2:1 in traditional blackjack and there are no 10s in this version. Here is a more detailed review of the game to get a holistic idea:
Commodus And the Gladiatorial Games: From Arena To Video Games
Commodus is a Roman emperor who was obsessed with power based on history. His obsession was so big that he stepped into the gladiator games and fought by himself. He saw himself as a living legend and focused more on showcasing his glory, unlike the other rulers who simply enjoyed the game from a distance.
Video games are also similar to gladiatorial games in the sense that there are one-on-one games where two players fight each other with unique characters that have their own combos, skills, and counterattacks. These games also have tournaments and esports where players can compete for the highest status just like how Commodus went for glory and power within the Colosseum.
Nero And Chariot Racing: The Precursor To Modern Motorsports
Nero is one of Rome’s most famous emperors who was also passionate about chariot racing. The Circus Maximum was the grand stadium of Rome that attracted massive crowds just like modern motorsports events of today. He even participated in races but was criticized for using his power to win rather than skill.
The modern equivalent to chariot racing from Nero’s times to today is motorsports such as NASCAR or Formula One. Both involve racing within a track using high-speed equipment, team strategies, and intense rivalries. Every racer pushes their vehicles to the limit just like how ancient charioteers risked their lives for victory.
The Timeless Appeal Of Games
Even though games have evolved from how they were played in Rome to today, the core elements remain the same. The fundamental desire to compete, make strategies, and win is what keeps these games going throughout history.
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Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar, a brilliant general and statesman, played a critical role in the shift from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.
Augustus
Augustus, the first Roman emperor, ushered in an era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Tiberius
Succeeding Augustus, Tiberius, a skilled military leader, became a controversial emperor known for both stability and a later reign of terror.
Caligula
Caligula, notorious for his cruelty and extravagance, ruled Rome for just four chaotic years.
Claudius
Overcoming a reputation for disability, Claudius proved to be a capable emperor who expanded the Roman Empire and improved its infrastructure.
Nero
Nero, the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, is remembered for both his early promise and later descent into tyranny.
Galba
Galba, a seasoned aristocrat who rose to power after Nero's suicide, faced a turbulent reign marked by financial woes and military discontent.
Otho
Ruling for only three months in the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors, Otho seized power but was defeated and committed suicide.
Vitellius
Briefly holding power in 69 AD during the Year of the Four Emperors, Vitellius was known for his indulgence and was ultimately overthrown and killed.
Vespasian
Rising from humble beginnings, Vespasian restored stability to the Roman Empire after a civil war and launched an ambitious building program.
Titus
Son of Vespasian, Titus became emperor known for both his ruthless conquest of Jerusalem and his generosity during disasters.
Domitian
Domitian, the last Flavian emperor, strengthened the Roman Empire's borders and economy but was seen as a tyrant by the Senate.
Nerva
Nerva, the first of the Five Good Emperors, ushered in a new era of stability after a period of violence.
Trajan
Renowned for his military conquests and public works projects, Trajan led the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent.
Hadrian
Hadrian, a philhellene emperor known for Hadrian's Wall, consolidated the Roman Empire and focused on internal development.
Antoninus Pius
Antoninus Pius, known for his peaceful reign and devotion to public works, was considered one of the Five Good Emperors.
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors, was both a philosopher king and a stoic leader who fought relentlessly to defend the Roman Empire.
Commodus
Son of Marcus Aurelius, his reign marked the end of the Pax Romana and is often considered the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.
Pertinax
A short-lived emperor, he ruled for just three months before being assassinated by the Praetorian Guard.
Didius Julianus
Bought the throne in an auction held by the Praetorian Guard, his reign lasted just over two months before he was killed.
Septimius Severus
Founder of the Severan dynasty, he secured his position after defeating his rivals in a civil war.
Caracalla
Known for issuing the Antonine Constitution, granting Roman citizenship to all free men in the Empire.
Geta
Co-ruled with his brother Caracalla, but was murdered by him after their father’s death.
Macrinus
A usurper who became emperor after arranging the assassination of Caracalla. He was overthrown and killed.
Elagabalus
Known for his eccentric and controversial religious practices, he was eventually assassinated by the Praetorian Guard.
Severus Alexander
The last emperor of the Severan dynasty, his reign ended when he was assassinated by his own troops, marking the start of the Crisis of the Third Century.
Maximinus Thrax
Learn how his military background, brutal tactics, and short-lived rule marked the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century.