Roman Amphitheatre Flashcards
What events would take place at the Colosseum
(Name 3 things)
-Wild animal performances in the morning
-Public executions during midday
-Gladiatorial fights in afternoon
What was the significance of public executions
Acted as warnings to spectators of failing to follow the law and obeying the Emperor
What was the significance of wild animal performances
(Name 3 things)
-Exotic animals such as giraffes and crocodiles exciting and impressive to spectators
-Increases popularity and reputation for sponsor
-Animals, such as elephants, bowing to Emperor, shows empire’s reach and power over nature
-Animals fight a bestiaries gladiator
What was the significance of gladiatorial fights
(Name 3 things)
-The emperor had final decision in the outcome, shows his power over life and death
-Provide entertainment for a Roman crowd, one of the only forms of entertainment
-Emperor engaged with crowd, shows popularity with the people
Name 3 things that happened in a gladiatorial fight
-Started with procession accompanied by trumpet, horns and water organs
-Fight lasted as long as 20 minutes
-Once killed, an attendant would be dressed as Mercury to escort his soul to the underworld
-Dead body had its throat cut to ensure their death
What was the Colosseum layout like
(Name 3 things)
-Oval shaped
-Three tiers of seating; equites(knights) first, then ordinary citizens, then women, slaves and poor at the top
-Special box for Emperor and family
-Special seats for Vestal Virgins
Who built the Colosseum and what was it known as
Built by emperor Vespasian, known as the Flavian amphitheatre
Where does the name gladiator come from
Gladius, meaning short sword
What gladiator fought with a net and trident
Retarius
What gladiator looked like a greek hoplite
Hoplomachus
What gladiator looked like a Roman legionary
Murmillo
How tall were the Colosseum’s outer walls
50m
What was the capacity of the Colosseum
50,000
What shape was the basic design of the Colosseum based on?
A series of concentric circles.
What material was primarily used to build the Colosseum’s outer wall
Hard travertine rock, a type of limestone
What architectural feature provided stability in the Colosseum’s design
Arches, made of bricks and concrete
What does the term “vomitoria” refer to in the Colosseum
The staircases and walkways that allowed spectators to exit quickly, resembling a “pouring out.”
How many entrances did the Colosseum have?
80
What material was used to decorate the monumental entrances?
Stucco, a type of plaster, often painted over
What material was used for the seating up to the third storey?
Marble
Why were the seats on the fourth storey made of wood?
To reduce the weight and pressure on the outer wall.
What feature protected spectators from the sun
A huge awning that could be pulled over two-thirds of the seating area.
How were spectators protected from the animals in the arena?
A 4-meter-high wall, a metal fence, and archers standing guard.
What was the arena floor covered with, and why?
Sand (harena) to absorb blood.
What was beneath the arena floor
A network of tunnels, cages, and lifts for animals and performers.
How were gladiatorial games used by senior politicians before the time of the emperors?
They funded impressive games to win public popularity and gain votes.
How did emperors use gladiatorial games during their reign?
To promote themselves and demonstrate their power.
Which emperor held the most extravagant gladiatorial games, and why?
Emperor Trajan, to celebrate his military victories.
How long did Emperor Trajan’s games last, and how many gladiators and animals were involved
123 days, with 10,000 gladiators and 11,000 animals.
What were the main backgrounds of gladiators?
(Name 3 things)
-They could be strong slaves
-prisoners of war
-convicted criminals
-free men seeking to escape poverty
What benefits did gladiators receive despite their low status?
Access to high-quality medical care and a high-energy diet of barley, beans, oatmeal, and fruit.
What social status did gladiators hold in Roman society?
They were considered infamis, having no legal protection and very low social status.
How were gladiators categorized based on their equipment?
Into two main categories: heavily armed (hard to wound) and lightly armed (quick on their feet).
What did the Roman audience enjoy about gladiatorial fights?
Watching different types of gladiators with distinct skills, weapons, and fighting styles compete against each other.
What did the murmillo’s equipment include?
(Name 3 things)
-A fish-crested helmet without a visor
-short greaves
-a curved rectangular shield
-short sword.
What was distinctive about the secutor’s helmet?
It had a visor with two small eye-holes to protect against a trident thrust.
What weapons and armour did the secutor carry?
(Name 3 things)
-A greave on his left leg
-an arm guard
-a legionary-style shield
-a short sword.
What equipment did the hoplomachus use?
A large crested helmet with visor, a thigh-length greave on the left leg, a spear, and a round shield.
Who was the hoplomachus often matched against in fights?
The murmillo, in re-enactments of Rome’s wars against the Greeks.
What weapons did the retiarius use?
(Name 3 things)
-A large net
-a trident
-an arm guard
-a shoulder guard
- a dagger.
What made the retiarius unique among gladiators?
He was the most lightly armed and the only gladiator whose head and face were uncovered.
What weapons and armor did the Thracian have?
(Name 3 things)
-Armored greaves on both legs
-a sword arm and shoulder protector
-a small shield
-a curved short sword for slashing.
What was the primary role of a bestiarius?
Fighting wild animals.
What weapons did the bestiarius use?
(Name 3 things)
-Whips
-spears
-bows
-lances.
Why was being a bestiarius dangerous?
He did not carry a sword and usually wore no armor.
Who would a murmillo usually fight?
Thracian or hoplomachus
Who would a sector usually fight?
retiarius
Who would a hoplomachus usually fight?
Murmillo or sometimes Thracian
Who would the retiarius fight?
the secutor
Who would the thracian fight?
the murmillo or sometimes the hoplomachus
