Not only could a typical citizen expect to be capitally entertained, but also fed for free. The loyalty of the average Roman could be bought for a few loaves of cheap bread. The setting of the games themselves was designed to impress and convince the people that they belonged to the greatest power in the world- the Roman Empire.

The Colusseum in the Eternal City of Rome was the greatest amphitheatre in the whole empire. Its imposing and impressive architecture set the scene and the atmosphere of the games. Opened in AD80 by the emperor Titus, the Colusseum could seat 50 000 people. The design of the stadium would rival any of the most modern stadiums in the world today. There were eighty numbered entrances that enabled efficient crowd seating and speedy evacuation in case of emergency. If an emergency did occur the Colusseum could be evacuated in less than fifteen minutes.

At night a massive chandelier could be hoisted into position so that the games could continue. In the heat of the day canvass coverings could be stretched over the crowd to provide shade from the glaring sun. The Colusseum also had the unusual feature of being able to be flooded allowing the Roman sponsor to "wow" his audience by reconstructing sea battles.

A typical day at the games followed more or less a standard format. The day would begin quite early, perhaps eight o'clock in the morning. The programme of events would begin with animal fights. Romans would search the known world to supply the Colusseum with rare and exotic animals that were vicious enough to fight to the death. The next event would consist of humans fighting animals, a remnant of which still survives today in the form of bullfighting in Spain and parts of southern France. The next event would include the public executions of criminals or those considered to be enemies of the state- like for instance the early Christians who would have to contend with lions or other vicious animals- usually the Christians would be unarmed and completely defenceless.

At or around midday a pause would interrupt the day's carnage. The pause served a very practical purpose. After a full morning of animal fights, slaughters and public executions, fresh sand was needed to soak up and cover the blood and gore of the earlier activities.

It was important for the arena to be looking its best for the main event of the day- the entrance of the gladiators. The gladiators would be equipped in the finest armour that deliberately left vital areas of the body exposed to danger- like the stomach, chest and lower back.

After making their way into the centre of the arena, the gladiators would turn and face the imperial box and offer up the traditional greeting:

"We who are about to die salute you!"

Then the main event would be allowed to begin the gladiator matches.

Tasks:

1) Why was entertainment free for the average Roman citizen?
2) What specific purpose did the games have?
3) Why was the venue of the games almost as important as the games themselves?
4) What special features did the Colusseum of Rome have?
5) Explain why the "wow" factor was so important in keeping the games entertaining?
6) Design a typical programme of events that will attract spectators. (This can take the form of a poster.)
7) Why was it necessary to have a pause in the day's events around midday?
8) Describe what the armour of the gladiators was like? Why wasn't the armour particularly suited for defence?