OJCL Torch Fall 2022 | Page 13

common people. The emperor had the ultimate say in whether a gladiator fought with enough bravery to be spared or killed. Usually they were not killed, but this authority of the emperor would be influenced by the crowd as they called for his death or for him to live. Music may

have been played at crucial moments of a fight and as the emperor made his decision. On hot summer days, spectators could watch the games more comfortably in the shade. Having a sort of retractable dome called the velarium, ropes and pulleys could lift a giant piece of fabric above the amphitheater, giving shade to the viewers below, but still having light come through the middle. A crew had to be always on standby in Rome to operate the velarium.

The voice of the crowd often was deafening at the climax of an event. Holding tens of thousands of people, The Flavian Amphitheater was often packed for big gladiatorial fights or beast fighting. The spectators revered the best fighters like athletes of today. The most successful men could win great prizes and glory that would be unattainable for most people. The sweat of a gladiator was believed to be an aphrodisiac. Consequently, some Romans mixed their face cream with this sweat as part of their routine.

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It is well known the Romans had sporting events such as chariot racing and gladiatorial fights, but what is not as commonly known is how the fans reacted. How much were they like spectators of today? Could ‘who deys’ be heard in the Colosseum as Gaius Burrow walked in the area?  

When entering an amphitheater, spectators often did not have to pay for admission, allowing anyone to watch the games below. Spectators would purchase souvenirs as they entered and left the theater. These may be a clay action figure of a top gladiator or a wooden ball containing a coin inside. Concessions were also available for purchase including chickpeas, pastries, and sausages.

Once inside, however, the seating was not first come, first served, as social class determined where one sat. The higher socially, the better the seat. Additionally, the seats were overly narrow which could make viewing uncomfortable unless seated in the much more spacious front section. The worst section in the nose bleeds was likely unable to hear and could barely see the action below. The space reserved for

women and the poor mainly reacted to the roar of the crowd, unable to tell what exactly was occurring.

At the Colosseum, the games were put together by the emperor. He watched in his own private box, giving him the best seat in the house. He even had his own staircase to get in and out without mingling with the

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