[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Oberon

Oh dear, that pic has a myth in it there. The Thumbs down and up gesture.
Generally it was a flat palm or a closed fist.


http://listverse.com/2008/05/05/top-...ut-the-romans/

Correct, ya beat me to it.

The spectators would indicate their choice by using the thumb, but also not the way we think.

A "thumbs down" indicated that the crowd wanted the victor to ground their weapon (stick the sword in the ground) to end the fight without killing the opponent.

A "thumbs thrust backward to the throat" meant that the crowd wanted the victor to kill the opponent.

But, as you wrote, the emperor had the last word.

Probably more than anyone wanted to know.