RIHLA #8

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Entertainment:
Entertainment was fundamental for the Romans, for they went to the theaters, amphitheaters, circuses, and public baths. The things I state below are the what the Romans did to be entertained.


Gladiators:
At first Gladiators went to school to train to become a gladiator, but eventually that stopped and gladiators were slaves, condemned prisoners, or volunteers. There were four types of gladiators: Murmillo, Retiaritus, Samnites, and Thracian. Gladiators fought exotic animals or other gladiators.


Chariot Races:
Chariot races took place in the Circus and they were held in honor of Jupiter. The races began in the morning, first with a religious ceremony called "pompa
circensis." Each chariot racer had their own workers, magistrate, and musicians. The charioteers leather helmets, knee pads and shin pads. They had a knife so they could cut themselves loose if they got caught in the horse ropes or crash. There were four major teams: prasini (green), (red) Russata,
(white) alba, (sea blue) veneti. The colors were inspired by the four seasons. The winning charioteer usually became well known and was seen on the street walls and became fairly wealthy. This reminds me of our society today because when a person has talent like singing or acting they become famous and earn a lot of money. It was legal to make bets on charioteers. Also females and males were allowed to sit any where and whom ever they wanted during the race. The crowd roared when they were at the races.


Holidays:
The Romans had a lot of holidays and festivals. A couple of the festivals are the Latin festival early in the year and Agonalia -Jan. 9. Most of the festivals are dedicated to the Gods and goddess.

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