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 Gladiatorโs outfit; stepping through the changing room door, Mr Benn arrives in ancient times, by a road under construction. One of the workers is Mr Bennโs old friend, Smasher Lagru**, who explains that they are building the road to lead to the Emperorโs Arena. Just then the Emperor himself arrives, and, having approved of the workersโ handiwork, he invites Smasher and Mr Benn to accompany him on a visit to watch the Gladiators fight each other โ and the lions โ in the Arena. Mr Benn sees this as an opportunity save the lives of the combatants, and to show the Emperor that fighting is sillyโฆ