the chariot races ), gladiatorius ("gladiatorial") and scaenicus ("theatrical"). [ 7 [[ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludi#cite_note-6 |]]] The relation of gladiatorial games to the ludi is complex; see Gladiator . Politics and religion Terracotta plaque (1st century) depicting a venatio , or human-animal blood sport Originally, all ludi seem to have been votive offerings