Gladiators and Roman Circus

Gladiators and Roman Circus

By Yainiz Solis

Nowadays, when we want entertainment, we go to the movies, the theater, or concerts. The Romans also had places where they could have fun and forget the harshness of daily life. Some of these places were the theater, the amphitheater and the Roman circus.

Multiple Select

What are some of the places the went for entertainment? (3)

• a concert

• the movies

• the theater

• the amphitheater

• Roman circus

The Circus Maximus was Rome's first circus. A circus was a large outdoor theater with an open space in the middle that was covered with sand. The name circus, which in Latin also meant "circle," comes from the rounded shape of these theaters, which formed a huge oval. Famous horse chariot races were held there. The Romans greatly enjoyed these races, which could last between 20 and 60 days.

Multiple Choice

What is a circus?

• a large outdoor with an open space in the middle that was covered with sand

• a small outdoor with an closed space in the middle that was covered with sand

• a large indoors with an open view in the middle that was covered with sand

• a large outdoor with an open space in the middle that was completly covered with cement

Open Ended

Where does the name circus come from?

Gladiator fights were also held in circuses. The name gladiator comes from the Latin word gladius, which means "sword." Gladiators could be free men who fought for pay, but some gladiators were slaves or thieves.​

​

Open Ended

Where does the name gladiator comes from?

Multiple Select

Who could be a gladiator?

• women

• free men

• Romans

• slaves

• thives

There were many types of gladiators. Some were the andabatae, who fought blind by using helmets without openings for the eyes. Another group of gladiators was the equites, who fought on horseback or chariots. They would often fall off and continue fighting without their horses. There were also the Thracians, who fought with short, curved swords. 

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

Mention 3 types of gladiators

Gladiator fights attracted many people. Politicians used these events to gain support from citizens. You may know the names of a few famous gladiators and their stories. Spartacus, for example, was a slave who became a well known gladiator. He later led a revolt against the Roman Empire. ​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

How did the Roman emperors benefit from the activities that were held at the circus?