Seeing some workmen busy repairing his road, Mr Benn is reminded of the Romans, who built very good roads. He heads for the costume shop and tries on a Roman Gladiator’s outfit; stepping through the changing room door, Mr Benn arrives in ancient times, by a road under construction. One of the workers is Mr Benn’s old friend, Smasher Lagru**, who explains that they are building the road to lead to the Emperor’s Arena. Just then the Emperor himself arrives, and, having approved of the workers’ handiwork, he invites Smasher and Mr Benn to accompany him on a visit to watch the Gladiators fight each other – and the lions – in the Arena. Mr Benn sees this as an opportunity save the lives of the combatants, and to show the Emperor that fighting is silly…
