Questions and Answers
When and where did stone amphitheater originate?
Republican Italy
What is the oldest known permanent Roman amphitheater?
Amphitheater of Pompeii
What is the key element in the architecture of Roman amphitheaters?
foundation
Which emperor dedicated the Colosseum at Rome?
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Amphitheaters were used for gladiatorial fights and stadia for athletic performances.
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Munus (plural munera) is the Latin word for gladiatorial fight.
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When is dated the oldest recorded example of a gladiatorial fight?
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What of the following is a type of gladiator?
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Hunters fought against gladiators during the venationes.
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Naumachia is the Latin word for naval battle.
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In which provinces is common the hybrid theater-amphitheater?
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How many seats did the Colosseum have?
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The first construction model adopted for the amphitheaters was the vaulted superstructure.
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The coverage system for amphitheaters (velaria) was adopted at the end of the Republic.
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How many amphitheaters are known in the Roman world?
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Plutarch and Cassius Dio are the main historical sources for the story of Spartacus.
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The Spartacus rebellion began in which year?
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Spartacus was a member of the Roman auxiliary troops, prior to being sold as a gladiator and leading the rebellion.
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What was the outcome for Rome after the Spartacus revolt?
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How did the movie Spartacus change the interpretation of historical events, according to Hoffman?
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The popularization of Spartacus can be attributed originally to the 1951 novel by Howard Fast which led to three subsequent films about this specific gladiator.
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During which historical period did the Spartacus rebellion take place?
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How did Spartacus' army likely reach a size of 70,000 troops?
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Who was Crassus?
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The condemnation to a gladiatorial school was a penalty that a Roman judge could impose to a criminal.
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The Roman elite were expected to hold gladiatorial games and became a part of maintaining status and power in Roman politics.
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Crucifixion was a punishment reserved solely for Christians.
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Under Nero, some women were willing to fight in the arena.
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What is the Lex Tullia?
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In the movie 'Spartacus', the protagonist claims to be born into a military family.
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What is the owner of a gang of gladiators and responsible for their training called?
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The rudis was a wooden sword that gladiators received at the beginning of their careers.
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What does the nickname 'Caligula' mean in Latin?
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Some gladiators could share the barrack with a female companion and have a family.
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Crassus ordered the excavation of an immense trench on the island of Sicily to catch Spartacus' army.
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What is one of the functions of an amphitheater?
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What is the time period for the first stone amphitheater?
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Define arena in relation to the amphitheater.
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What is Fossa Bestiaria?
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What are the Ima Cavea?
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What is the media cavea?
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What is the summa cavea?
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What is a vomitorium?
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What is the velarium?
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Name some functions of amphitheaters.
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What are the dates of Augustus' reign?
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What was the Battle of Actium?
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What were some of Augustus' accomplishments as Emperor?
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Who are the sources for the story of Spartacus?
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Describe Spartacus.
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What is the 2nd largest amphitheater?
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Describe the Spartacus Revolt (73 - 71 BCE).
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What is decimation?
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What was the result of the battle of Silarus river?
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What does munus mean?
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What was the first gladiatorial spectacle?
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What is the date of the first game?
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What does the Lex Tullia outline?
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Who was the Lanista?
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What is a gladiator's life like?
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What is a rudis?
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What is Tiberius known for?
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Who was Caligula?
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What do we know about Claudius?
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Describe Nero.
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What were Vespasian's contributions as Emperor?
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What are some achievements of Titus?
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Describe Domitian's rule.
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What is damnatio memoriae?
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Describe the Murmillo gladiator.
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Describe the Thraex gladiator.
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What defines a Hoplomachus gladiator?
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What identifies the Retiarius gladiator?
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What is the Secutor gladiator known for?
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What are the countries with the largest amphitheater distribution?
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What is Siracusa known for?
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Describe Thermae Himerenses.
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What is a catina?
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What is Tauromenion?
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What is Tyndaris known for?
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What does Material Culture show?
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What is known about Trajan?
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What is Hadrian known for?
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What is the Cemetery of Driffield Terrace of York associated with?
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Study Notes
Amphitheater Origins and Architecture
- Stone amphitheaters originated in Republican Italy.
- The oldest known permanent Roman amphitheater is the Amphitheater of Pompeii.
- A key architectural element in Roman amphitheaters is the foundation.
Colosseum and Its Uses
- Emperor Titus dedicated the Colosseum in Rome.
- The Colosseum could accommodate between 45,000 to 55,000 spectators.
- Amphitheaters were venues for gladiatorial fights, while stadia hosted athletic performances.
- Munus (plural munera) refers to gladiatorial fights in Latin.
Gladiatorial Context and History
- The oldest recorded gladiatorial fight dates back to 264 BC.
- Various types of gladiators include the Murmillo, Thraex, Hoplomachus, Retiarius, and Secutor.
- Venationes, or wild beast hunts, did not feature hunters fighting gladiators.
- Naumachia, meaning naval battle in Latin, was also staged in amphitheaters.
Spartacus and His Uprisings
- The Spartacus rebellion began in 73 BCE, during the Late Republic.
- Spartacus, a Thracian, was previously part of Roman auxiliary troops before becoming a gladiator.
- His rebellion sparked a temporary end to the slave wars after his defeat.
- Historical sources for Spartacus include Appian and Plutarch.
Notable Roman Emperors and Events
- Augustus ruled from 31 BC to 14 AD and significantly expanded the Roman Empire.
- Key accomplishments of Augustus included increasing provinces and improving taxation systems.
- The Battle of Actium was a decisive conflict in 31 BC between Marcus Antony and Octavian, resulting in Octavian's victory.
- Nero, known for his tyrannical rule, committed multiple brutal acts and famously faced the Great Fire of Rome.
Gladiatorial Life and Training
- Gladiator life was arduous, but not equivalent to imprisonment; many could live freely and share barracks with partners.
- The Lanista owned and trained gladiators, acting as their facilitator.
- The rudis was a wooden sword symbolizing a gladiator's freedom at the end of their career.
- Decimation was a Roman military discipline where one in ten men was executed.
Cultural and Architectural Developments
- The Lex Tullia prohibited public figures from sponsoring gladiatorial games in the election years before they took office.
- Amphitheaters served various entertainment functions, such as chariot races and executions.
- The velarium was a canvas awning used for audience protection from the elements.
Noteworthy Amphitheaters and Locations
- The second-largest amphitheater is located in Capua, where Spartacus trained.
- The Siracusa amphitheater in Sicily combines Greek and Roman architectural styles.
- Countries with the highest distribution of amphitheaters include Italy, Africa, Britain, and Spain.
Other Historical Notes
- Damnatio memoriae was a decree to erase the public memory of figures condemned by the Senate.
- Trajan (98-117 AD) expanded the Rome Empire to its greatest extent, originating from Spain.
- Hadrian is known for Hadrian's Wall and significant architectural projects, such as the rebuilt Pantheon.
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Test your knowledge on Roman amphitheaters and gladiators with these midterm flashcards. Explore the origins, architectural details, and historical significance behind these remarkable structures and their connection to Roman emperors. Get ready to ace your midterm and dive deeper into ancient Roman culture!