What kinds of competitions did Nero promote as alternatives to gladiatorial combat?

To promote alternatives to the often brutal gladiatorial combat, the emperor Nero inaugurated various competitions focused on artistic and athletic performance. These initiatives included:1

• Poetry: Competitions centered on the recitation and performance of poetic works.1
• Theatre: Nero introduced theatrical contests, where he himself famously performed, assuming a variety of roles.12
• Athletics: He established athletic festivals, encouraging participation in traditional Greek-style sports.1

These events were intended to serve as counterattractions to the bloodshed associated with the arena. During this period of his early reign, Nero’s government also took steps to reduce violence in public spectacles by forbidding circus contests that involved bloodshed and banning capital punishment.1