Classics

• What was the purpose of Activity 1 in the text?

  To match tips showing how gladiators were different from prisoners.
• What does Activity 2 ask the reader to do?

  To read information about gladiators and answer questions.
• Did gladiators always fight to the death?

  No, gladiators didn’t just fight to the death.
• What type of weapons did gladiators use?

  Gladiators used deadly weapons like swords and shields.
• How did the Emperor Commodus participate in gladiatorial games?

  He shot down panthers and bears from a protected platform.
• What were the two most popular types of gladiators?

  The "thraeces" and "murmillones".
• What fighting styles were associated with the "thraeces" and "murmillones" gladiators?

  They fought using a sword and shield.
• What was the role of sponsors in the races?

  Sponsors paid for the races to raise popularity.
• What did the procession led by sponsors include?

  Music, soldiers, and effigies of the gods.
• Where did charioteers wait before the race?

  In the carceres (starting gates).
• How did the race start?

  An official dropped a white cloth to start the race.
• How many laps did the charioteers race around?

  They raced around 7 laps.
• What was the duration of the race?

  The race took 10-15 minutes in total.
• How did charioteers steer their chariots?

  They used reins tied around their waist and shifted their weight.
• What did charioteers wear during the races?

  A leather helmet, a whigs, a coloured tunic, and a dagger.
• What should a charioteer do if he fell off his horse?

  He should quickly cut himself free with the dagger.
• What reward did a charioteer receive for winning a race?

  A palm leaf and a money prize at the end of the day.
• How many races were held per day?

  There were 24 races per day.
• How many days were races held each year?

  Races were held for 65 days every year.
• Who were the two famous playwrights mentioned in Roman Comedy?

  Plautus and Terence.
• What was the role of stock characters in Roman Comedy?

  They were easily recognizable by their costumes, props, and actions.
• What character type is described as a rich young man hopelessly in love?

  The Young Lover (Adolescent).
• What is the role of the Clever Slave (Servus Callidus)?

  He helps the young master get involved with his love.
• What character is usually opposed to the young lover's marriage?

  The Strict Father (Senex).
• What is the main characteristic of the Funny Friend (Parasitus)?

  He is a flatterer who hangs around rich people for food.
• What does the Beautiful Maid (Mirus Chora) claim to be, but is actually a coward?

  She claims to be brave.
• What is the significance of the character Beloved (Virgo/meretrix)?

  She is beautiful, young, and cannot be with her love due to previous circumstances.
• How did Roman mime differ from modern mime?

  Roman mime involved actors speaking and included various performances.
• What was the most popular form of entertainment in the Roman Empire?

  Roman pantomime.
• What did the dancer in Roman pantomime wear?

  A long silk tunic designed to emphasize body movements.
• What was the origin of the festival celebrated on February 15th?

  It celebrated purification and fertility in honor of the god Lupercus.
• What did the priests do at the beginning of the festival?

  They gathered in the Lupercal and sacrificed dogs and goats.
• What did the Luperci do with the blood of the sacrificed animals?

  They dripped the blood on the foreheads of the participants.
• What was the belief associated with being struck by the leather strips during the race?

  It was believed to grant great fertility to those struck.
• What did women of rank do during the race?

  They purposely got in the way to be struck for fertility.
• What are the key elements of the Roman pantomime performance?

  • A single dancer performing a mythological story
  • Use of gesture and hand-language
  • A chorus singing the story to music
  • Stories derived from epic poems and tragedies
• What are the similarities and differences between Roman Comedy and modern sitcoms?

  Similarities:

  • Use of stock characters
  • Focus on humor and relationships

  
  

  Differences:

  • No female actresses in Roman times
  • Different cultural contexts and themes
• What were the main activities during the Lupercalia festival?

  • Sacrificing dogs and goats
  • Sprinkling blood on participants
  • Racing around the Palatine Hill
  • Whipping spectators for fertility
• What were the characteristics of stock characters in Roman Comedy?

  • Easily recognizable by costumes and props
  • Represented common societal roles
  • Used for comedic effect and storytelling