What two Etruscan sporting events did the Romans adopt?

Romans also adopted two bloody Etruscan sporting events. The first was slave fighting. The

Etruscan custom was to stage slave fights during funerals. Two slaves of the dead master fought

to the death with swords and small shields. After being congratulated, the winner was executed.

The Etruscans also enjoyed watching chariot races. The drivers, or charioteers, were strapped

to their chariots. If a chariot overturned, a driver could be dragged under the chariot's wheels or

trampled by the horses. These fierce competitions often resulted in injury or death.

These Etruscan sports became popular amusements in Rome. In Roman stadiums, thousands

of slaves died fighting as gladiators. The gladiators fought against each other or wild animals. And

Romans flocked to see charioteers risk their lives racing four-horse teams.