Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Bestiarii, Wild Beasts, Gladiator

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2300
• Professor: Kelly Olson

Document Summary

At ludi- roman and religious festivals 4-5 days in length, several times per year. Or in honour of the emperor or the emperor"s conquests. In honour of a dead relation (in the republic). Morning: venations and pyrrichae: beast hunts and animals displays. Afternoon: gladiatorial combat: only ever a chance of death. Pyrrichae: begins in the late 3rd century bce. Shows and animal hunts utilized scenery and special effects: animals shot by fighters on horseback or fighters on chariot (called bestiarii, or animals were pitted against other animals (bears against deer etc. ) Bestiarii: armed with swords, spears, helmets, shields etc. Exotic animals (lions, giraffes, elephants, panthers, hippos, apes etc. ) Advertising: african or oriental specific animals were not usually advertised. Young politicians on their way up (aediles), or gain the favour of the emperor. Ingenuity, wealth, generosity of the editor (man (not women) who pays to put on the show). The variety of animals demonstrates the editor"s overseas connections.