What was a day at the Roman Colosseum like? - From Tickets to T-Shirt Catapults DOCUMENTARY

What would it be like to spend a day at the Roman Colosseum? #Masterworks - The only investments platform dedicated to art investing: https://mw-art.co/invicta

In this animated history documentary we continue to explore the great games of ancient Rome. Previous episodes looked at The Rise of the Gladiators and the Naval Gladiator Battles. In this video we see what things were like from the perspective of your everyday Roman with a glimpse of daily life in the past.

The documentary begins by setting the historical scene for the golden age of the gladiators. We discuss the schedule of the games and when these might occur throughout the year. Next we look at the advertising campaigns which publicized the these upcoming spectacles. This included everything from painted billboards, to teaser events, and word of mouth buzz. We then talk about the ancient Roman ticketing system which was used to assign and distribute seating assignments which involved official and blackmarket sales.

The history documentary then recreates a day at the Roman Colosseum. We start in the early morning tail gate where spectators could mingle outside the arena. Here there were many vendors selling food, cushions, gear, and various super-fan items. You could also gamble and perform magic aimed at the matches of the day.

Once the gates were open, you were then to line up at your assigned gate number, present your ticket, and proceed up to your seat. Each section was a reflection of the social order with the elites getting front row views while the masses were relegated to the higher tiers. Here people could not only enjoy the unfolding events but also socialize as with any sporting event today. We then discuss the program of the day which included the opening processions, the beast hunts, the lunch break, and the afternoon gladiator battles. Along the way we talk about the use of shade awnings, misters, t-shirt catapults, and many more details that are strikingly familiar to today.

Sit back and enjoy A Day at the Roman Colosseum! If you like learning about daily life in the past, be sure to check out our How They Did It playlist.

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Works Cited/Recommended Reads
The World of Pompeii eds. John Dobbins and Pedar Fross
Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day by Peter Matyszak
Popular Culture in Ancient Rome by Jerry Toner
Emperors and Gladiators by Thomas Wiedemann
Life, Death, and Entertainment in the Roman Empire eds. D.S. Potter and D.J. Mattingly
As The Romans Did by Jo-Ann Shelton
The Roman Games by Alison Futrell
The Victor’s Crown by David Potter
The Oxford Handbook of Roman Epigraphy eds. Christer Bruun and Jonathan Edmondson

Credits:
Research: Chris Das Neves
Writing: Chris Das Neves
Artwork: Beverly Johnson
Editing: Penta Limited

#History
#Documentary