Entertainment

The Colosseum was a huge public entertainment center.

The Colosseum could seat 45,000 spectators. Some people were not lucky enough to have a seat in the Colosseum. If you didn't mind standing, the Colosseum could hold up to 70,000 spectators!

This is where the ancient Romans gathered to watch bloody combat between gladiators, and battles between men and wild animals. This is where they threw people to the lions! To see men being killed was very entertaining to the ancient Romans. On occasion, they flooded the Colosseum with water, to hold naval battles. During the battles, many competitors died.

The ancient Romans were great builders. They built things to last. The Colosseum was built of concrete, faced with stone, as were most amphitheaters. It was built in the early days of the Roman Empire, around 70 CE. It was designed to host huge spectacles. Anyone could attend the events in the Colosseum. Admission was free.

You wouldn't want to be a Roman gladiator!

Task:

• Describe the Colosseum.
• Describe the gladiator. What type of gladiator are there? How do you know? (What is he wearing? What type of weapons is he using?)
• Describe what happened during the event.
• Describe the spectators. How do they react? How many are in the arena? What role do they play?
• Where is the emperor? What role does he play in the games?
• Describe the life and training of the gladiator.
 

 Interview:
1. A top Roman magazine has sent a questionnaire to you, Rome’s most popular new gladiator, to fill in.
2. Gladiator’s Today wants to make you a star, so tell them about yourself.
3. Introduce yourself  How did you become a gladiator? (slave, criminal, chance of winning freedom
4. What injuries have you suffered?
5. Have you ever fought against animals? Which ones? (Elephants, tigers, rhinos, lions, cheetah)
6. What is it like underneath the arena? (Corridors, hot, trapdoors, animals, gladiators)
7. Can you tell us about the most spectacular show you’ve been involved in? (Battle recreation, sea battle, animal fight)
8. Now tell us a bit more about yourself, and about life as a Gladiator