Roman Empire used military and monopolies to supply arena animals

New research from Carlos III University of Madrid reveals the complex logistical and legal systems used by the Roman Empire to supply wild animals for arena spectacles known as ‘venationes’. By analyzing imperial laws preserved in the Theodosian and Justinian Codes, researcher Rosa María Carreño Sánchez has detailed how the state managed the capture and transport of exotic animals like lions, tigers, and bears.

To ensure a steady supply for imperial entertainment, the Roman government established a monopoly on lions during late antiquity as large cats became increasingly scarce. Under this system, lions were considered the property of the emperor, preventing private individuals from competing for them.

The Roman army played a critical role in this operation. Specialized military units, including soldiers known as ‘ad leones’, ‘ursuarii’, or ‘vestigiatores’, were tasked with tracking, capturing, and guarding animals in distant border regions. Moving these dangerous animals across the empire presented significant economic and logistical challenges, requiring strict oversight and organized transport to imperial facilities.