crisp voice had a certain magnetic quality that made what he said
important, somehow. However, Joe's interest in Roman history wasn't
exactly paramount.

Holland said, "You wonder at what I am driving, eh? Do you realize the
expense involved in getting a rhinoceros to Rome in those days? Not to
speak of hippopotami, tigers, lions and leopards. Few people realize
the extent to which the Romans went to acquire exotic animals to be
slaughtered for the edification of the mob. They penetrated as far
south as Kenya, there are still the ruins of a Roman fort there; as
far east as Indonesia; as far north as the Baltic, and there is even
evidence that they brought polar bears from Iceland."

Philip Holland snorted, as though in contempt. "But the mob wearied of
even such spectacle as giraffes being killed by pigmies from the
Iturbi forest. The games had started as fights between skilled
swordsmen, being observed by knowledgeable combat soldiers of a
warrior people. But as the Romans lost their warlike ardor and became
a worthless mob performing no useful act for either themselves or the
State, they no longer appreciated a drawn-out duel between equals.
They wanted quick blood, and lots of it, and turned to mass slaughter
of Christians, runaway slaves, criminals and whoever else they could
find to throw to the lions, crocodiles or whatever. Even this became
old hat, and they turned increasingly to more extreme sadism. Children
were hung up by their heels and animals turned loose to pull them
down. Men were tied face to face with rotting corpses and so remained
until death. Animals were taught to rape virgins."

Joe Mauser stirred again. What in Zen was this long monologue on the
Roman games leading to?

Holland said, "By the way, contrary to some belief, the games didn't
end upon Christianity becoming the dominant faith and finally the
State religion. Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 A.D. but it
wasn't until 365 that Valentinian passed a law against sacrificing
humans to animals in the arena and the gladiator schools remained in
operation until 399. The arenas were finally closed in 404 A.D. but by
that time the Roman Empire was a mockery. In all they last more than
half a millennium, but things move faster these days."

The tone of voice changed abruptly and Holland snapped a question at
Joe. "By your age, I would imagine you've participated in the present
day fracases for some fifteen years. How have they changed