Preface . . ix 

Introduction . . 1
1. The Beginning: The Introduction of Public Spectacles and Competitions into Ancient Palestine . . 11 
2. Shaping the City's Landscape: Buildings for Mass Entertainment in Their Urban Context . . 57 
3. Entertaining the Crowds: Performances, Competitions, and Shows . . 117 
4. Financing, Organization, and Operation . . 171 
5. Adopting a Novelty: Jewish Attitudes toward Roman Spectacles and Competitions . . 195 
6. Public Spectacles and Sociocultural Behavior in Late Antique Palestine . . 227 
Epilogue . . 255 

Abbreviations . . 261 
Notes . . 263 
Source Index . . 347 
Subject Index . . 353