Bread-and-circus show

Posted by S. on August 05, 2003

Judith Shulevitz used the phrase "bread-and-circus show" in a diary entry on Slate today, and having never heard this expression before, I was wondering what its origin and meaning might be.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

• Bread-and-circus show Bookworm 05/August/03
  • Bread-and-circus show ESC 05/August/03