Evolution of Ancient Theater and Roman Spectacles

Origins and Architecture of Greek Theater

The theater was born in Greece, associated with the worship of Dionysus. The building could also have a political function; in cities that did not have a specific space (ekklesiastérion), it hosted assemblies of citizens.

The building, as an important element of political and religious Greek drama, began as a tier excavated into the slope of a hill. In the center, there was a circle with an altar to honor God and a wall called the Skene.

Ludi Scaenici and Dramatic Competitions

The Ludi Scaenici involved poets who wanted to participate in dramatic competitions. During the celebration of the festival, they presented their work, and then a jury chose the winners.

Coregues: These individuals were responsible for the expenditure, paying the actors and sometimes providing drinks to the spectators.

An important element was the use of the mask, which posed an added effort for the actor. Performances included:

• Pantomime: A single actor performs an action or issue, whether terrifying or libidinous, with musical accompaniment and without words.
• Mime: Features foul arguments combined with erotic scenes and scenes of cruelty.

The Roman Amphitheater and Gladiatorial Combat

The amphitheater was long held in the forum. Later, buildings were constructed—first of wood and then of stone—resulting in a structure similar to two theaters combined at the orchestra.

Building Structure and the Arena

The sand, where the show took place, was surrounded by railings to protect the public from possible attacks by wild animals. The pit was an underground construction used to keep cages, sets, and other equipment.

The tunnels were built on several tiers of galleries around the arena, which was separated by a wall about 4 feet tall. The seating was divided into three sectors.

Ludi Gladiatori: The Life of a Gladiator

The Ludi Gladiatori were among the favorite spectacles, featuring gladiator fights. Participants were usually prisoners of war or slaves. They trained in a gladiator school where their formation depended on lanistes (coaches). The winners obtained gifts and large sums of money.

Types of gladiators included:

• The Retiarius: Fought without helmets, armed with a trident, a net, and a dagger, protected only by a metallic piece.
• The Mirmillons: Struggled with a short curved sword and were protected by armor on their legs.
• The Secutor: Fought with a sword, with the arm and left leg protected.

Other Spectacles: Venation and Naumachia

The Venation consisted of struggles between men and animals or beasts. The Naumachia were simulations of naval combat.

The Roman Circus and Chariot Racing

The circus building featured the sand and the spina, a kind of embankment about 214 feet long, which was adorned with obelisks and statues of gods.

Carceres were the stalls where the horses and their drivers waited to be located for the collective start. The Cavea accommodated spectators, who accessed the area through galleries and doors.

Ludi Circenses and Chariot Racing

The Ludi were held in circuses and featured chariot racing. Cars could be of various kinds, such as bigae or quadrigae. Four factions, identified by four colors, paid the expenses for the maintenance of horses and chariots.

The Aurigae (drivers) who became winners obtained glory. Slaves were liberated and could even become millionaires.