Gladiator Terms

Question 1

amphitheater

Answer 1

amphitheater an open circular structure with stadium-style seating and an arena in the middle, used primarily for gladiatorial combat

Question 2

Colosseum

Answer 2

the most famous amphitheater in Rome, named because of a colossal statue of the emperor situated nearby

Question 3

arena

Answer 3

the sandy area at the center of an amphitheater where the fighting happened; named from the Latin word “harena” that means sand

Question 4

gladiator

Answer 4

a trained fighter, usually a slave, criminal, or prisoner of war, who fought other gladiators or animals for the spectators’ entertainment; named from the Latin word “ gladius” meaning sword

Question 5

bestiarius

Answer 5

gladiator who fought wild animals

Question 6

murmillo

Answer 6

gladiator given a special type of fish-shaped helmet

Question 7

retiarius

Answer 7

“net-fighter,”gladiator who fought with a trident and a net

Question 8

circus

Answer 8

a large oval-shaped stadium used for chariot-racing

Question 9

Circus Maximus natural slopes for the stadium seating

Answer 9

the first and most famous circus in Rome; maximus means biggest; situated in a valley between the Palatine & Aventine hills in the city, which provided

Question 10

spina

Answer 10

the “spine” of the circus structure; a long and narrow raised platform in the middle of the circus around which the chariots raced seven laps for the cousre of the race

Question 11

charioteer

Answer 11

slave or freed slave who drove the chariot during the race

Question 12

quadriga

Answer 12

two-wheeled chariot pulled by four horses

prefix “quad”=four

Question 13

red, white, green, and blue

Answer 13

the colors for the four different racing fractions (teams) which Roman citizens supported and cheered for at the races (purple and gold were added later)