Roman Entertainment

1. Roman Entertainment pani et circenses

2. General Information • Ludi Circenses • Lies between the Palatine and the Aventine Hills. • Originally built around 550 BC. • Rebuilt around 100AD. • 600m x 200m • Maximum Seating Capacity: 250,000

3. Basic Design • Spina: central axis; decorated with statues, trophies, and 7 movable eggs or dolphins used to count laps.

4. Basic Design • Meta: gilded bronze turning posts shaped like cones.

5. Basic Design • Carceres: starting gates; 12 stalls; opened by a catapult system. • Intricate substructures that supported the seats and provided numerous walkways • Pulvinar: Imperial box for the emperor and other dignitaries.

6. Chariots, Horses, and Drivers • Factiones: racing corporations represented by different colors (e.g. Albata, Russata, Veneta, Prasina). • Charioteers were professionals drawn from the lower classes (freedmen and slaves). Become public idols.

7. The Races • Began with a procession/parade into the Circus (Bets were placed at this time). • Starting signum: trumpet blast followed by the presiding magistrate dropping a napkin (mappa). • Up to twelve teams competed (2 or 4 horses); Novelty races: 10 horses, foot races, or trick riding • Raced 7 laps counter-clockwise. Crashes were common. • Full day’s program = 24 races. • Prize=palm branch / gold crown and neck chain. • Defixiones or “curses” found in many arenas

8. The Victor!!!!

10. Venationes

11. Naumachiae

12. Naumachiae