CLAS 1071 Final Flashcards

Section I: Identifications (15 points)

  • Overview: This section consists of three terms selected from a list of twenty-four. Each term requires a three-sentence explanation covering its definition/description, how it was conducted/used, and its significance. Including specific stories or memorable instances enhances the answer. Quality and mastery are key to full credit. Textbook indices are helpful resources.

  • Terms for Identification:

    • Phersu:
      • Originating in Etruria, Phersu was a masked figure involved in funeral games, often depicted with a dog, engaging in a dangerous game with a condemned man.
      • The game involved the Phersu taunting the condemned, who was armed, but ultimately the Phersu would be victorious, symbolizing a ritualistic sacrifice or dominance.
      • Its significance lies in being a precursor to gladiatorial combat, illustrating early forms of ritualized violence and entertainment, and providing insight into Etruscan customs influencing Roman practices.
    • Tarquinius Priscus:
      • He was the fifth king of Rome, an Etruscan by birth, who significantly influenced Roman infrastructure and entertainment.
      • He is credited with initiating the construction of the Circus Maximus, a venue for chariot races and other spectacles, and the Cloaca Maxima, a large sewage system.
      • His importance stems from his contribution to Rome's urban development and the establishment of large-scale public entertainment, which became integral to Roman culture and political life.
    • Cloaca Maxima:
      • It was one of Rome's earliest and most significant sewage systems, draining the city and carrying waste into the Tiber River.
      • Constructed initially by Tarquinius Priscus and later expanded, it was crucial for public health and sanitation, enabling the city to grow and accommodate a larger population.
      • The system's importance lies in its engineering innovation, which improved living conditions in Rome and demonstrated the city's advanced infrastructure, contributing to its power and influence.
    • Carceres:
      • These were the starting gates in a Roman circus, particularly at the Circus Maximus, designed to hold the chariots and horses before a race.
      • They were architecturally significant, often made of marble, and featured a complex mechanism for releasing all chariots simultaneously, ensuring a fair start.
      • Their importance lies in enabling structured and exciting chariot races, a central form of Roman entertainment, and representing the technological sophistication of Roman spectacle.
    • Triumph:
      • This was a civil and religious rite in ancient Rome, granted to a victorious general, allowing him to celebrate his military achievements in a grand procession through the city.
      • The general, dressed as Jupiter, paraded with his troops, spoils of war, and captured enemies, culminating in a sacrifice at the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill.
      • Its importance was immense, serving as a symbol of Roman military power, a means of honoring successful leaders, and a display of the empire's wealth and dominance.
    • Cursus Honorum:
      • This was the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic and early Empire, designed to ensure experienced leadership.
      • It typically began with military service, followed by positions such as quaestor, aedile, praetor, and eventually consul, with specific age requirements for each office.
      • Its importance lies in being a structured career path that shaped Roman political life, promoting meritocracy and stability in governance by ensuring leaders progressed through established roles.
    • Populares:
      • These were Roman politicians who favored the cause of the common people (plebs) and employed popular support as a means to gain political power during the late Republic.
      • They often advocated for reforms such as land redistribution, debt relief, and расширение citizenship, challenging the traditional dominance of the aristocratic elite (Optimates).
      • Their importance resides in representing the interests of the common people and challenging the established political order, leading to significant social and political changes during the late Republic.
    • Aedile:
      • This was an elected official in ancient Rome responsible for managing public works, markets, games, and temples within the city.
      • Aediles oversaw the maintenance of public buildings, regulated commerce, and organized public entertainment, including gladiatorial games and theatrical performances.
      • Their importance lies in their role in maintaining the city's infrastructure, ensuring public order, and providing entertainment for the Roman population, contributing to social and political stability.
    • Spartacus:
      • He was a Thracian gladiator who led a major slave rebellion against the Roman Republic from 73 to 71 BC.
      • Spartacus and his followers, composed of escaped gladiators and slaves, inflicted several defeats on Roman armies before being eventually crushed.
      • His importance lies in challenging the institution of slavery in Rome and demonstrating the potential for slave resistance, inspiring later revolts and influencing perceptions of slavery in ancient history.
    • Theater of Pompey:
      • This was one of the first permanent theaters built in Rome, constructed by Pompey the Great and dedicated in 55 BC.
      • The theater could accommodate thousands of spectators and included gardens, shops, and a temple to Venus Victrix, showcasing Pompey's wealth and power.
      • Its importance lies in establishing a precedent for permanent theaters in Rome, fostering theatrical performances, and serving as a venue for political gatherings and public entertainment.
    • Maeniana:
      • These were the different seating sections in Roman theaters, categorized by social class, with the best seats reserved for senators and dignitaries.
      • The maeniana reflected the hierarchical structure of Roman society, with seating arrangements reinforcing social distinctions and privileges.
      • Their importance lies in demonstrating the social stratification of Roman society and the use of public spaces to reinforce social order and political power.
    • Naumachiae:
      • These were mock naval battles staged in specially constructed basins or flooded arenas in ancient Rome, providing spectacular entertainment.
      • Naumachiae involved large numbers of combatants, often gladiators or condemned prisoners, reenacting famous naval battles from Roman history.
      • Their importance lies in showcasing Roman naval power, providing large-scale entertainment, and demonstrating the engineering capabilities of the Roman Empire.
    • Gladiatrix:
      • This refers to female gladiators in ancient Rome who participated in gladiatorial combat, although less frequently than their male counterparts.
      • Gladiatrices were typically of lower social status, and their participation in gladiatorial games was often seen as scandalous or exotic.
      • Their importance lies in challenging traditional gender roles in Roman society and providing a glimpse into the diverse forms of entertainment and social expression in the Roman world.
    • Retiarius:
      • This was a type of gladiator in ancient Rome who fought with a net (rete), trident (fuscina), and dagger (pugio), without helmet or shield.
      • The retiarius relied on speed and agility to ensnare his opponents with the net and then stab them with the trident or dagger.
      • His importance lies in representing a distinct gladiatorial style and weaponry, contributing to the diversity and excitement of gladiatorial combat.
    • Hypogeum:
      • This was the underground area beneath the arena floor in Roman amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum, used to house animals, gladiators, and machinery.
      • The hypogeum contained a complex network of tunnels, cages, and trapdoors, allowing for the surprise introduction of animals and gladiators into the arena.
      • Its importance lies in enabling elaborate and dramatic spectacles in Roman amphitheaters, enhancing the excitement and danger of gladiatorial games and beast hunts.
    • Lex Iulia Theatralis:
      • This was a law enacted by Augustus that formalized seating arrangements in Roman theaters, assigning specific sections to different social classes.
      • The law aimed to maintain social order and reinforce social distinctions by regulating access to public entertainment based on social status.
      • Its importance lies in reflecting the hierarchical structure of Roman society and the use of law to regulate social behavior and public life.
    • Spina:
      • This was the central dividing barrier in a Roman circus or stadium, running along the middle of the track around which chariots raced.
      • The spina was often decorated with statues, obelisks, and other ornaments, adding to the visual spectacle of the arena.
      • Its importance lies in defining the layout of the circus and providing a focal point for the races, enhancing the excitement and competitiveness of chariot racing.
    • Pulvinar:
      • This was a special box or platform in a Roman circus or theater reserved for emperors, dignitaries, and honored guests.
      • The pulvinar provided a privileged viewing position and symbolized the authority and status of the individuals occupying it.
      • Its importance lies in representing the social hierarchy of Roman society and the close association between political power and public entertainment.
    • Cavea:
      • This was the seating area in a Roman theater or amphitheater, arranged in tiers according to social class, with the best seats closest to the stage or arena.
      • The cavea could accommodate thousands of spectators and was designed to provide optimal viewing angles and acoustics.
      • Its importance lies in providing a venue for public entertainment and social gatherings, reflecting the social stratification of Roman society and the importance of spectacle in Roman life.
    • Velarium:
      • This was a large awning or canopy erected over Roman theaters and amphitheaters to provide shade and protection from the sun for spectators.
      • The velarium was typically made of fabric and supported by a complex system of ropes and pulleys, requiring skilled engineers to operate.
      • Its importance lies in enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of public entertainment, allowing performances to take place during the day and in hot weather.
    • Ludus Gladiatorius:
      • This was a gladiatorial training school in ancient Rome, where gladiators were housed, trained, and prepared for combat.
      • Ludi gladiatorii were often owned and operated by lanistae (gladiator trainers), who recruited and trained gladiators from various backgrounds, including slaves, prisoners of war, and volunteers.
      • Its importance lies in being the center of gladiatorial activity, shaping the lives and careers of gladiators, and contributing to the spectacle of gladiatorial games.
    • Bestiarii:
      • These were animal handlers or fighters in ancient Rome who participated in beast hunts (venationes) in arenas and amphitheaters.
      • Bestiarii were skilled in handling and fighting various types of wild animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and bears.
      • Their importance lies in providing entertainment through dangerous and exotic animal displays, contributing to the spectacle of Roman games and demonstrating Roman dominance over the natural world.
    • Venatores:
      • These were hunters in ancient Rome who participated in beast hunts (venationes) in arenas and amphitheaters, often as part of public games and spectacles.
      • Venatores were skilled in hunting and capturing wild animals and were trained to fight them in the arena using spears, nets, and other weapons.
      • Their importance lies in providing entertainment through thrilling and dangerous animal displays, contributing to the spectacle of Roman games and demonstrating Roman prowess in hunting and warfare.

Section II: Multiple Choice (10 points)

  • Content Focus: Questions will cover factual information from readings, videos, and lectures. Emphasis will be on material discussed in both readings and lectures, including video content.
  • Sample Questions:
    • Question 1: Which king established the Circus Maximus?
      • A. Romulus
      • B. Numa Pompilius
      • C. Tarquinius Priscus
      • D. Tarquinius Superbus
    • Question 2: True or False: Augustus disassembled the Theater of Pompey.
      • A. True
      • B. False

Section III: Image ID (15 points)

  • Task: Identify an image related to sport and spectacle in ancient Rome and explain its use or importance in 3-5 sentences. Specific dates are not required, but detailed and specific descriptions are essential for full credit. Generalized statements will not receive full credit.
  • Preparation: Thorough preparation for Section I (Identifications) will aid in this section.
  • Example: An image of the Colosseum would require a description of its function as an amphitheater for gladiatorial contests, public executions, and animal hunts, highlighting its importance in Roman society as a venue for entertainment and a symbol of Roman power.

Section IV: Short Answer (30 points)

  • Topics: Questions will focus on the Roman triumph and gladiators.
  • Preparation: Review notes from recitation, Josephus’ “On Triumph,” and Fik Meijer’s The Gladiators: History’s Most Deadly Sport.
  • Response Length: Answers should be 2-5 sentences.

Section V: Long Answer (30 points)

  • Instructions: Choose ONE of the three questions below to answer in approximately 3 paragraphs. Responses should be concise and to the point, without an introduction or conclusion. State your stance and provide supporting information.
  • Questions:
    1. Horace's Quote: “Conquered Greece took her uncultivated conqueror captive and invaded rustic Latium with the arts.” Do you agree? Use three specific examples from Roman sport and spectacle to support your answer.
      • Explanation: This question explores the influence of Greek culture on Roman society, particularly in sports and spectacles. Consider how Greek traditions were adopted, adapted, or transformed by the Romans. Examples could include the adoption of Greek athletic contests, theatrical performances, or artistic styles in Roman games.
    2. Political Manipulation of Sport and Spectacle: Using three specific examples from the Republic and Empire, discuss how Roman aristocrats manipulated sport and spectacle for political gain. Focus on one sport or spectacle (e.g., chariot racing, gladiatorial contest) if desired. Address whether this corrupted Roman games and spectacles.
      • Explanation: This question examines the political dimensions of Roman entertainment. Consider how events were used to gain popularity, consolidate power, or distract the populace from political issues. Examples could include emperors using gladiatorial games to enhance their image or politicians funding chariot races to win votes.
      • Cicero's quote: \text{``If therefore, such entertainment is demanded by the people, men of right judgment must at least consent to furnish it, even if they do not like the idea. But in so doing they should keep within their means, as I myself did."} - Off. 2.57-58
    3. Donald Kyle's Statement on Beast Shows: Comment on Kyle’s statement: “…the beast shows were not a perverse Roman invention…are we so different from the ancient Romans?” Discuss aspects of Roman sport beyond beast hunts and how Roman sport has been characterized in the 20th and 21st centuries. Provide three specific examples from ancient Rome to support your claims.
      • Explanation: This question prompts reflection on the nature of Roman sport and spectacle and how it compares to modern entertainment. Consider the ethical implications of animal exploitation, violence as entertainment, and the role of spectacle in society. Examples could include comparing Roman gladiatorial games to modern combat sports or Roman chariot races to modern motorsports.
      • Kyle's quote: \text{``…the beast shows were not a perverse Roman invention. New in neither principle nor iconography, they were not without precedent or purpose. First, we should recognize our ideological baggage or urban illusion about animals, and not impose our sensitivities upon the Romans…As we play with our pets, attend a circus or rodeo, reduce habitats, go hunting, or eat a steak, perhaps we should ask ourselves: ‘Were the Romans so unique?’ or ‘Why does taxidermy persist?’"}

Extra Credit (3 bonus points)

  • Content: Three multiple-choice questions from Fik Meijer's The Gladiators: History's Most Deadly Sport.