Final answer:
Battles were popular in Pompeii due to their significance in Roman culture and public entertainments. Gladiatorial combat represented admired qualities in Roman society, such as courage and martial prowess. The city had various entertainment venues, including amphitheaters, where gladiator shows were widely attended.
Step-by-step explanation:
Battles were popular in Pompeii for several reasons. Firstly, they were a significant part of Roman culture and public entertainments. Gladiatorial combat, which originated in central Italy, became a prominent feature of funeral games and later expanded to include hundreds of gladiators in matches held in Rome and other cities.
Secondly, battles and gladiator shows represented qualities that were highly valued in Roman society, such as courage, strength, and martial prowess. Gladiators were admired as symbols of power and masculinity, and their contests were eagerly watched by both common people and elites, including emperors like Augustus.
Lastly, as seen in the preserved graffiti in Pompeii, gladiator shows were advertised and widely attended. The city had a variety of entertainment venues, including amphitheaters, where battles between gladiators or men and animals took place.