CLASSICS 1A03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Ludi, Ludi Romani, Vomitorium
13 May 2016
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The colosseum & gladiatorial games at ancient rome. Principal types of spectacle and performance: ludi scaenici = theathrical performances, ludi circenses = chariot racing in the circus, venationes = games with animals (hunt, held in circus as well as amphitheatre, munera = gladiatorial games. Munera originally took place in the circus, later in amphitheaters, but also in theater. Greece/greek games: athletic competition at pan-hellenic sites: delphi, olympia. Citizens performed in athletic competition for symbolic and monetary prizes. Participation in games an expression of greekness: non greeks (persians, barbarians etc could not participate; games became a forum for interaction among greeks. Games conducted in the context of religious ceremonies: sanctuary of apollo, sanctuary of zeus. It was held at olympia, and olympia"s whole purpose is to worship the god. Greek style athletics never achieved popularity of the other games (though they did exist) Games were treated as spectator sports, rather than events for participation.
