Roman Entertainment Flashcards
What were ludi?
Civic events, typically public events in the circus and theatres
What were munera?
Privately funded events, most often featuring gladiatorial events
Why were ludi often held?
In favour/honour of different deities, these events often held religious significance
Who was responsible for organizing ludi?
Magistrates (aediles)
What did ludi usually encompass?
Ludi scaenici (dramatic performances) and ludi circenses (chariot races)
Where were ludi held?
Initially in temporary theatres, then in permanent theatres like Pompey’s theatre
What was fabulae atellanae?
Comedy that used stock characters to generate humour
Where was greek influence present?
Mime and pantomime
What is mime performance?
Originally improvised street performance (not well-documented), but evolved to rehearsed comedic show
What is and when was pantomime introduced?
During Augustan era, it’s a type of dance featuring a soloist that draws on mythology
What regard were athletics held to?
Not in the same high regard as the greeks, but equestrian events and boxing matches were relevant sport in Rome
What was one of - if not the most important sport in Rome?
Chariot racing!!!!
What kind of entertainment was sometimes funded as a gift for the public?
Munera
What was the usual show of choice for munera?
Gladiatorial entertainment
How did munera originate?
As spectacle at funerals for high-status, elite individuals
Where was munera originally held?
At temporary wooden structures in the forum
When was the flavian ampitheatre put to use?
During Vespasian’s reign, its use marking the beginning of his regime
How was the arena floor accessed at the flavian ampitheatre?
Trapdoors
What did a munus originally feature? (derived from munera)
Animal hunts and exhibitions in the morning, with public executions and gladiatorial spectacles in the afternoon
How was political gain relevant in entertainment?
To garner public authority and popularity, politicians would acquire rare and wild animals for the arena
How were executions often carried out? (latin word is venationes)
Dress as a mythological figure and reenact their death, while others were left to be devoured by wild animals
What were gladiators?
Slaves turned professionally trained fighters
Who was in charge of gladiators?
Troupes of gladiators often had a manager that owned them
How were gladiators divided?
Based on armoury and weaponry
What were the categories of heavily armed gladiators?
Murmillo, secutor, and hoplomachus
Relevance of lightly-armed gladiators?
Less common, but the retiarius existed as net and trident carriers
How were gladiators ranked?
Based on skill and experience-level
What did gladiatorial contests follow and how did a gladiator submit? (fight ad digitum)
Governed by rules and code of conduct - their submission made clear by lowering their weapon and raising a finger
How were ludi organized?
Magistrates in charge would be given base fund by the state, and the rest would be paid out of pocket
Did ALL large-scale events hold religious significance?
YES
