The Roman Colosseum and Gladiators

The Colosseum  The world’s largest amphitheatre, the Roman Colosseum was completed in 80 BCE.  Made from concrete and stone, the Colosseum could seat up to 50,000 spectators.  It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

Architectural Features  The Colosseum was elliptical in shape and measured 188 by 156 meters.  It had four main entrances, and numbered arches to make for easy access to the seats.  There was a canvas awning along the top of the Colosseum that could be rolled out to provide relief from rain or extreme heat. 

Architectural Features  The arena floor was made of wooden planks that were covered with sand.  Below the planks was a three story basement filled with cages, trap doors, and elevators. This setup was often used to release gladiators, props, and animals into the arena in order to entertain the crowd.

The Colosseum  The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re- enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology.

Gladiators  Roman gladiators were combatants who entertained audiences by doing battle with each other, wild animals, and criminals.  Most gladiators were slaves who were schooled under harsh conditions and treated as social outcasts.  Some gladiators achieved fame and admiration through fighting and dying “well”.

Gladiators  To ensure a “good battle”, gladiators used different armour sets and styles of fighting.  These sets included the Thraex, Retiarius, and Hoplomachus.

Tharex – “The Thracian”  Helmet  Greaves (leg guards)  Short curved sword  Square shield  Armguard

Retiarius – “The Fisherman”  Trident  Dagger  Weighted net  Armguard

Hoplomachus – “The Hoplite”  Helmet  Long spear  Dagger  Small round shield  Armguard  Quilted leggings

Gladiatorial Advertisements  Twenty pairs of gladiators belonging to Decimus Lucretius Satrius Valens perpetual flamen of Nero Caesar son of Augustus and ten pairs of gladiators belonging to the son of Decimus Lucretius Valens will fight at Pompeii on April 8,9,10, 11 and 12, there will be a beast hunt and there will be awnings. Aemilius Celer wrote this on his own by moonlight.

Notorious T.I.C.  Task: Create an advertisement for an event at the Roman Collosseum.  Intent: To get in touch with Roman culture and “think” like a Roman.  Criteria:  G Rated (No Blood)  Illustrations  Catch phrases  Date/Price/Time  List of events