Abstract: Roman gladiators’ performance activity had a long history, but different social strata participating in or watching the performances had their own purposes. Only part of the slaves of the slave class participated in the pancratium performances and the vast majority was only the stands cheering crowds. Roman emperors were keen on pancratium performing activities on the surface; but in fact, they were just doing it for their votes and political purposes. Those who really loved pancratium activities were the Roman nobles and knights, for watching such activities were not only part of their daily life, but also the main content of their entertainment. Roman civilians were the most fervent supporters, but they are passive because the rulers of Rome only threw the performance activities to them.

Key words: Roman, pancratium performances, pancratium culture, field