[ WP ] The Roman Empire never fell and today gladiatorial battles , where two teams of 21 men fight a medieval battle to the death , is broadcast worldwide . Describe the experience of a family watching a game together .

“ You ’ re in luck tonight folks! The 2278th Anniversary of our Emperor ’ s favourite late-night show is about to begin as… ” the announcer ’ s voice trailed off as Marcus walked into the kitchen to attend to the popcorn. He arranged the steaming snack in the centre of a larger display, adorned with grapes, olives, and a variety of meats and cheeses. *As is tradition* he thought as he poured a glasses of wine for himself, his wife Helena and their son Julian. 
 
 Helena ’ s voice called from the living room over the sound of the television. “ Honey, are you sure we should allow Julian to stay up for this? He ’ s still so young, and I don ’ t want to give him the wrong impression of… ” 
 
 “ Nonsense, Helen, ” Marcus responded, somewhat peeved that this topic was coming up once again in conversation, “ this is a big moment. Our little boy is a man tonight! He deserves to be treated as such. ” He continued to put the last touches on their evening meal as Julian peeked his head from around the corner. 
 
 “ Dad, I don ’ t feel well, ” he said in a whisper. His face was pale and gaunt for a 14 year old, showing the hint of maturity that fostered a proud feeling in his father. 
 
 “ I ’ ll hear none of that, Julian. Tonight is your *liberala* and you must try to show us how strong you are! No more hiding behind your age; you ’ re a man now. ” Marcus used a voice so stern that seemed to frighten Julian into the living room. *Likely into his mother ’ s arms*, he thought. *What are we to do? * 
 
... 
 
 The family sat in front of their television sipping their wine as commercials for sandals and masonry rolled by. Julian struggled to drink the deep red liquid; his hands were quivering slightly as he raised the crystal glass to his lips. 
 
 “ Mark, seriously, I know it ’ s tradition but… ” Helena was abruptly stopped by the television ’ s announcement that the games were about to begin. Marcus edged closer to the screen, eyes locked on the dusty image. The competitors were aligning themselves throughout the arena. 
 
 “ We ’ re set to begin shortly, ” the swarthy reporter announced, “ and as we ’ re sure you know, the following program will contain extreme violence, gore, and potential nudity. ” 
 
 Marcus clasped his hands excitedly. “ I see him! Right there, in the red shorts. My Gods he looks good, doesn ’ t he? ” He hardly waited for a response before reaching for the remote control and adjusting the volume higher. 
 
 Helena held her son close. She could see his wine-stained bottom lip shaking, his eyes welling up with tears. She stroked his hair. “ It ’ s alright, little one. The Gods will smile upon this day. ” The doubt in her voice was picked up by Marcus, who turned quickly to address them. 
 
 “ Julian, you are a man tonight. You must not forget that. Our tradition, our family name can be traced back thousands of years. We are the successors to some of the most brutal, athletic, powerful gladiators the world has ever know. ” Marcus and Julian locked eyes, and his son slowly nodded, reaching for his glass of wine. His son's defeated look was enough of an excuse to turn his attention back to the screen. 
 
 “ Now let ’ s watch your brother defend our family ’ s honour. Be sure to pay attention; your training starts in the morning. ” 

