Download The Roman Games The Gladiatorial Games

Christina Dadaian Saman Ahmadi
The
Gladiatorial Games
• The Roman’s got the idea of the games from the
Etruscans who used the ritual at funerals.
• The first Gladiatorial Games were in 264 BCE.
• It was considered a Roman’s right to see the games.
• Entry was free.
• In the Gladiatorial Games, multiple gladiators
(warriors) would fight to the death.
• The Games were originally held for spiritual purposes
but over time they became a form of entertainment.
• Many politicians even began hosting gladiatorial games
in order to increase their popularity with the public.
The Coliseum
• The Coliseum’s construction began around 70
under the rule of Vespasian.
• It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater
and was renamed the Coliseum after the Latin
word ‘Colosseus‘ meaning colossal.
• It seated anywhere from 50,000-80,000 people.
• The Coliseum was built in order to increase the
Flavians popularity, a place for entertainment,
and to showcase Roman architecture.
Types of Gladiator
Few types of gladiators:
• Dimachaerus: Sword fighters; dual wield.
• Equestrian: Armoured riders
• Essedarius: Chariot Riders
• Hoplomachus: Latin Hoplite
• Provocator: Shield and lance
• Retiarius: Trident and net.
Circus Maximus
• The Circus Maximus was the most famous chariot race in
Rome.
• There were only an estimated 150,000 seats, however,
people would come from all over the empire just to see
these races and they would sit on the surrounding hillside
in order to watch.
– there were always prostitutes, gamblers, pickpockets, girl
watchers, and drunks.
• Bets were placed on charioteers, eventually horses were
poisoned and sabotage ensued.
– They went as far as breaking legs.
– Looted the horse poop to determine what made the horse so
healthy