Roman Theater

Roman Comedy
o Adaptation of Greek "new comedy"
o Plautus (fl. 205-184 BC): 21 plays survive
o Terence (fl. 160s BC): 6 surviving plays

Tragedy
o Early tragedians (Ennius etc.)
o Seneca: for reading, not performance?

Mime & Farce

Pantomime
o Mute protagonist w/ back-up group
o Mythological themes
o Story told by dance, gesture

Spectator Sport

Patronage & sponsorship
o Political candidates
o Imperial household

Chariot-racing: Circus Maximus
o 4 teams (factions) [red, white, green, blue]

Games (ludi): Amphitheater
o Wild beast hunts
o Mock naval battles
o Executions (including "fatal charades")

Gladiators
o Origins as funeral ritual
o First attested at Rome in 264 BC (3 pairs)
o Prisoners & condemned criminals or volunteers (slave or free)
o 4 types:

 Murmillo: Armor, short sword, helmet
 Samnite:  " " " " " " " "
 Retiarius: Net and trident (no armor)
 Thracian: Round shield & scimitar