 They took place around midday as an interlude between the animal entertainments of the morning sessions and the gladiatorial combat in the afternoon.Although the executions were seen as symbolizing Rome's power, the higher classes normally took advantage of this interval to leave the arena to dine; the Emperor Claudius was criticised by some authors for not doing so, so it is unlikely that Titus would have watched this part of the show.The executions of deserters, prisoners-of-war, and criminals from the lower classes were normally crucifixions or "damnationes ad bestias" in which they would face wild animals.