Were there Serial Killers in Ancient Rome?

Summary by Krater

This video examines whether there were serial killers in Ancient Rome, exploring historical figures, emperors, assassins, gladiators, and bandits, and concluding that while murder was common and some individuals committed numerous killings, they do not fit the modern psychological definition of serial killers.

From the video

Answers: Were there serial killers in Ancient Rome?

• Serial killers in Ancient Rome
• Roman emperors and murder
• Roman assassins and poisoners
• Gladiators and violence
• Roman bandits and law enforcement

What it concludes

• While murder was a real and constant danger in Ancient Rome, we have no way of estimating the murder rate.
• Prominent Romans like Oppianicus and Emperor Nero committed or arranged multiple murders, but their crimes were motivated by wealth, power, and politics rather than psychological reasons.
• Ancient Romans had no term or concept for a person who kills repeatedly for psychological reasons, and serial killers are difficult to find in historical sources.
• Roman gladiators were not bloodthirsty maniacs, and gladiatorial schools likely did not produce serial killers.
• Bandits and highwaymen in Ancient Rome committed murders to avoid detection or for the sake of killing, with professional bandit hunters acting as the ancient equivalent of police.