How did gladiatorial games begin?

In the ancient world, particularly in Rome, gladiatorial games began as an extension of the keen interest on the part of ancient peoples (again, principally Romans) in violent entertainment. Arranging to have gladiators fight publicly was also a way to demonstrate the power of the fight-organizers. Eventually, however, the gladiatorial games became a vital form of pacification: social unrest was avoided by giving citizens gladiatorial games as a distraction from their troubles.