Spectacles: Political Control Flashcards
What does Juvenal mean by ‘bread and circuses’ in Satire 10?
Juvenal criticizes the Roman populace for trading political freedom for cheap entertainment and food, saying they only care about ‘panem et circenses’ (bread and circuses).
How does Martial portray spectacles in On the Spectacles?
Martial celebrates spectacles, particularly the opening of the Colosseum, praising emperors for their generosity and the grandeur of the games.
What is Seneca’s view of gladiatorial games in Letters 7 & 47?
Seneca condemns the games as morally corrupt and degrading, criticizing the crowd’s bloodlust and the ethical implications of such entertainment.
What archaeological evidence shows that public spectacles were popular among common people?
Pompeii graffiti praising gladiators, large amphitheatres like the Colosseum (Rome) and Pompeii (20,000 seats), and the presence of amphitheatres in Ostia and Timgad.
How did elites benefit from spectacles?
Elites used euergetism (public giving) to gain popularity by funding games, reinforcing their social status and influence.
How did Suetonius describe Nero’s use of spectacles?
Suetonius says Nero staged lavish spectacles, including mock naval battles, to win popular support and distract from his controversial actions.
How does Pliny the Younger compare Trajan to earlier emperors in the Panegyricus?
Pliny praises Trajan’s restraint and moral leadership, contrasting him with previous emperors who used excessive games for self-glorification.
What does Tacitus say about Nero’s use of games after the fire of Rome?
In Annals 14, Tacitus says Nero staged games to deflect blame and win public favour after accusing Christians of starting the fire.
How did the Flavian dynasty use the Colosseum for political purposes?
Built by Vespasian and Titus, the Colosseum symbolized Flavian power and restored public morale after civil war, reinforcing dynastic legitimacy.
What does the spread of amphitheatres in provinces like Timgad and Vindolanda suggest?
Spectacles were part of Romanisation and imperial control, promoting loyalty to the emperor and reinforcing a shared cultural identity across the empire.
How does Juvenal describe the atmosphere at Roman games in Satire 3?
He portrays them as overcrowded, chaotic, and morally degenerate—reflecting elite disdain for the masses’ obsession with entertainment.
What complaint does Pliny make in Letter 1.6 about spectacles?
Pliny laments that people prefer the games to his speeches, reflecting frustration that public interest favors spectacle over intellectual pursuits.
How does Seneca describe the noise from games in Letter 56?
He complains of the deafening sounds from nearby games, highlighting their ubiquity and appeal to the masses.
How do graffiti from Pompeii and the Vindolanda tablets reflect popular engagement with spectacles?
Graffiti shows gladiator fandom; Vindolanda letters mention games, showing the cultural integration of spectacles even on military frontiers.
What physical evidence helps measure spectacle popularity?
Amphitheatre sizes (e.g. Colosseum 50–60k seats), frequency of games, widespread amphitheatres (e.g., Timgad, Djemila), and public inscriptions all indicate mass appeal.
