CO 1503 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Ludi Romani, Nudity, Atellan Farce
Document Summary
Roman empire was larger and more organized than grecian city-states. Rome did more conquering and so they had more citizens and larger population. Romans believed in experiencing all the fruits of life so they liked to party. Much of the architecture and art of greece was translated and copied by roman culture. The common people of rome were a large mass of the population. New types of entertainment were in demand: elaborate spectacle, thrill shows. Performances included: nudity, sex, violence, bloodshed. Naumachiae: sea battles, flood coliseum to stage, sealed coliseum, aqueducts brought in water. Venationes: wild animal fights, animal vs animal, animal vs man. Ludi romani given in honor to jupiter each september. Established in 6th century: 364 bce- performances began, 240 bce- comedy and tragedy incorporated to worship gods. Fabula- story of tale, modern fable: fabula atellana. Tragedy adapted from greece: fabula palliate. Comedy adapted from greece: fabula praetexta. What we know of comedy from the plays of platus.
