Kids Learning Zone

Bread and Circuses

The Roman people were kept entertained by the games or 'Ludi' in the various arenas throughout the Empire. As well as keeping them amused it also helped keep social order by giving them a distraction from everyday and often tough life. Free admission and food to the games all helped pacify the masses on a monthly basis. As well as blood thirsty beast and gladiatorial games some of which were sponsored by the rich or elite classes these games were called 'Munera'. There would also be theatrical events 'Ludi scaenici' which all helped to entertain the masses and maintain a happy population.

The opening of the great Colosseum in Rome started with a 100 days of games, 9000 animals of all types were killed in this period alone. The games would start with 'Bestiaries' or huntsmen fighting various wild animals. We would then witness criminals and Christians fight either gladiators or animals then later in the day we would see the main bill of gladiators appear. Most of the fights involving criminals or Christians and would end in death as those who were fighting were considered worthless and mere entertainment. Sometimes the arena floor would be flooded and great sea battles were enacted celebrating the naval victories of Rome.

Most towns and cities had some sort of arena where the public games took place for the entertainment of the masses. It was the ancient equivalent of the cinema or football stadium but a more brutal show was in store for the visitors, no film or football match just blood thirsty fights and battles involving people and animals that often ended in death for many but not for all.

Britain has several arenas in some of the large Roman towns mainly in England and Wales as Scotland was not really a civilian occupation more a military presence. Where ever the Romans went they would take their culture with them, including food, religion, customs and the spectacle of the arena entertainments and all that brought with it.

The 'Circus Maximus' was an oblong oval shape arena, rather than circular building sited near the Coliseum. It hosted specials chariot races where the charioteers were like formula one sports stars. They would drive chariots around the track with people betting on the outcome just like today.