Roman History: Roman Entertainment Glossary

bestarius

beast-fighter (usually a criminal or slave)

hoplomachus

gladiator (resembles a Greek hoplomachus fighter)

hypogeum

the structure built under the Colosseum

murmillo

gladiator (fought with a sword, a shield, and a fish-topped helmet)

retiarius

gladiator (fought with a trident and a net)

venator

professional animal hunter / trainer

adulescens

unmarried man (often in love with a slave girl)

cavea

tiered seating

miles gloriosus

arrogant soldier

orchestra

dancing-place

parasitus

parasite (wants a free meal)

servus callidus

clever slave

scaena

stage house

auriga ('agitator')

chariot racer

circus

circle / ring

factio (pl. factiones)

team

spina

backbone

cena

dinner

triclinium

dining room