In addition to supplying grain, the emperor and other wealthy citizens also entertained the Roman populace, often at vast expense. The most popular forms of public entertainment were gladiatorial contests and chariot racing. Games were advertised on billboards, and spectators were given a program with the names and sometimes the fighting statistics of the pairs so that they could bet more easily.

Men became gladiators through a variety of ways. Many were soldiers captured in war and sent to Rome or other large cities to be gladiators instead of being killed. Some were criminals, especially slaves found guilty of various crimes. By the imperial period, increasing numbers were volunteers, often poor immigrants who saw gladiatorial combat as a way to support themselves. All gladiators were trained in gladiatorial schools and were legally slaves, although they could keep their winnings and a few became quite wealthy. Some gladiatorial matches were to the death, but this was increasingly rare because the owners of especially skilled fighters wanted them to continue to compete. Some Romans protested gladiatorial fighting, but the emperors recognized the political value of such spectacles, and most Romans enjoyed them.

The Romans were even more addicted to chariot racing than they were to gladiatorial shows. Under the empire four permanent teams competed against one another. Each had its own color — red, white, green, or blue. Winning charioteers were idolized, just as sports stars are today.

Roman spectacles such as gladiator fights and chariot racing were exciting diversions, but they were not everyday activities for Romans. As is evident on tombstone inscriptions, ordinary Romans were proud of their work and accomplishments and were affectionate toward their families and friends. An impression of them can be gained from their epitaphs.