Amphitheatres

Question 1

The Amphitheatre

Answer 1

The Amphitheatre in Rome can seat 50,000 people.
It is circular, and located in the centre of the city, indicating its popularity.
It was built in 80AD.

Question 2

Events

Answer 2

Group gladiator fights (am)
Criminal executions (midday)
Individual gladiators or venatio – animal hunts (pm)
Mock-naval battles (Colosseum)	
(Built up to the biggest event)

Question 3

Why did they hold games?

Answer 3

Paid for by emperors/ politicians to gain popularity.
Organised for special occasions: battle victories, religious festivals, new emperors, upcoming elections.
10-12 a year.

Question 4

Gladiators

Answer 4

Slaves were bought by Gladiator schools.
Prisoners of war were forced into becoming Gladiators.
People could volunteer to become Gladiators in the hope of becoming rich and famous.

Question 5

Samnite

Answer 5

Earliest gladiators, armed with a short sword, shield and helmet.

Question 6

Retiarius

Answer 6

Fought with and net, trident and dagger.

Question 7

Murmillo

Answer 7

Muscular men with armour and many weapons.

Question 8

Thracian

Answer 8

Fought with a very small sword and shield, meant to maim and then kill. Very lightly armed, and clothed, Roman gladiator.