Roman Theatre

Borrowed Greek ideas and improved on them They were less philosophical Encompassed more than drama : acrobatics, gladiators, jugglers, athletics, chariots races, naumachia (sea battles), boxing, venationes (animal fights) Entertainment tended to be grandiose, sentimental, diversionary Actors / performers were called "histriones"

Each actor played several roles Each actor played several roles. They wore simple costumes that could be changed quickly and in public. The actors held up happy face masks and sad faced masks, to help the audience understand what was going on in the play. It could be a dangerous occupation. When the Romans saw a play they did not like, they shouted at the actors and told them to get off the stage. If they did not get off the stage, the audience might begin to throw things at them.

During the play, the Roman people would talk to each other During the play, the Roman people would talk to each other. Because it was noisy, sometimes people would raise their voices so they could be heard. That made it even more noisy. So that everyone could follow along with the story told by the actors, no matter how noisy the crowd became, the actors would sometimes use a technique called pantomime. Pantomime is a play without words. The actors used dance, music, hand gestures, facial expressions, elaborate sets, and costumes to present the play. 

Plays were only performed during religious ceremonies and religious festivals. However, since the ancient Romans celebrated over 200 holidays a year, there were many opportunities for plays to be staged, , after a while people demanded more entertainment.

The Colosseum Built nearly two thousand years ago for the purpose of hosting violent gladiator games. Thousands of men and animals fought for their lives in the sandy arena. A few gladiators and warriors found glory there. Some even found fame and riches but many more died an anonymous death, providing entertainment for eager Roman spectators.

In the Colosseum, the gladiators wore varying kinds of armor and used various fighting styles of the time (often adapted from conquered peoples). Fights usually pitted gladiators of different styles against each other. When one gladiator was wounded and wished to give in, he would hold up his index finger, and the sponsor (usually the Emperor at the Colosseum) decided whether the fallen should live or die. If it was deemed the defeated gladiator should die, he was expected to kneel and take the death blow without whimpering or flinching. His helmet was left on to keep his opponent from recognizing him and losing the desire to kill them. There were also animal events at the Colosseum. Animals were trained to do tricks, but more often exotic animals were used in "hunts" where they were pitted against each other or fought by the bestiarii (gladiators specializing in animal fighting).

quiz Where did they fight? The am How did they fight? What did they fight? Who were the people that fought? What did they dress in?