Roman Entertainment

Question 1

What were ludi?

Answer 1

Civic events, typically public events in the circus and theatres

Question 2

What were munera?

Answer 2

Privately funded events, most often featuring gladiatorial events

Question 3

Why were ludi often held?

Answer 3

In favour/honour of different deities, these events often held religious significance

Question 4

Who was responsible for organizing ludi?

Answer 4

Magistrates (aediles)

Question 5

What did ludi usually encompass?

Answer 5

Ludi scaenici (dramatic performances) and ludi circenses (chariot races)

Question 6

Where were ludi held?

Answer 6

Initially in temporary theatres, then in permanent theatres like Pompey’s theatre

Question 7

What was fabulae atellanae?

Answer 7

Comedy that used stock characters to generate humour

Question 8

Where was greek influence present?

Answer 8

Mime and pantomime

Question 9

What is mime performance?

Answer 9

Originally improvised street performance (not well-documented), but evolved to rehearsed comedic show

Question 10

What is and when was pantomime introduced?

Answer 10

During Augustan era, it’s a type of dance featuring a soloist that draws on mythology

Question 11

What regard were athletics held to?

Answer 11

Not in the same high regard as the greeks, but equestrian events and boxing matches were relevant sport in Rome

Question 12

What was one of - if not the most important sport in Rome?

Answer 12

Chariot racing!!!!

Question 13

What kind of entertainment was sometimes funded as a gift for the public?

Answer 13

Munera

Question 14

What was the usual show of choice for munera?

Answer 14

Gladiatorial entertainment

Question 15

How did munera originate?

Answer 15

As spectacle at funerals for high-status, elite individuals

Question 16

Where was munera originally held?

Answer 16

At temporary wooden structures in the forum

Question 17

When was the flavian ampitheatre put to use?

Answer 17

During Vespasian’s reign, its use marking the beginning of his regime

Question 18

How was the arena floor accessed at the flavian ampitheatre?

Answer 18

Trapdoors

Question 19

What did a munus originally feature? (derived from munera)

Answer 19

Animal hunts and exhibitions in the morning, with public executions and gladiatorial spectacles in the afternoon

Question 20

How was political gain relevant in entertainment?

Answer 20

To garner public authority and popularity, politicians would acquire rare and wild animals for the arena

Question 21

How were executions often carried out? (latin word is venationes)

Answer 21

Dress as a mythological figure and reenact their death, while others were left to be devoured by wild animals

Question 22

What were gladiators?

Answer 22

Slaves turned professionally trained fighters

Question 23

Who was in charge of gladiators?

Answer 23

Troupes of gladiators often had a manager that owned them

Question 24

How were gladiators divided?

Answer 24

Based on armoury and weaponry

Question 25

What were the categories of heavily armed gladiators?

Answer 25

Murmillo, secutor, and hoplomachus

Question 26

Relevance of lightly-armed gladiators?

Answer 26

Less common, but the retiarius existed as net and trident carriers

Question 27

How were gladiators ranked?

Answer 27

Based on skill and experience-level

Question 28

What did gladiatorial contests follow and how did a gladiator submit? (fight ad digitum)

Answer 28

Governed by rules and code of conduct - their submission made clear by lowering their weapon and raising a finger

Question 29

How were ludi organized?

Answer 29

Magistrates in charge would be given base fund by the state, and the rest would be paid out of pocket

Question 30

Did ALL large-scale events hold religious significance?

Answer 30

YES