ENTERTAINMENT IN ANCIENT ROME

Every Roman city and town had an amphitheater, which was a large stadium where entertainment would occur for the citizens.  The largest amphitheater was the Colosseum in Rome.  The Romans called their entertainment “games” but it generally consisted of fights between gladiators and the public execution of criminals.  Roman citizens often enjoyed entertainment that was violent and bloody.  The fights between the opposing gladiators were often brutal.  Most gladiators were slaves, including prisoners of war and criminals.  While the lives of gladiators were usually short, a successful gladiator could potentially win his freedom.

Chariot-racing was one of the favorite sports of Roman times.  Racing was a highly professional sport, with riders belonging to different teams.  Each team was supported by its own set of trainers, veterinarians, blacksmiths, and carpenters.  While the riders were often slaves, they could buy their freedom by winning races.

​Another favorite entertainment of Romans was the theater.  Roman theaters had permanent sets, a raised stage and tiers of seats for citizens that were shaped in a half-circle.  Roman audiences preferred comedies.  Actors had a low status in society as most were slaves or former slaves.  The actors would wear masks that showed the expression of their given character.

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