In Rome, like housing, recreation for the rich was different than for the poor. However, the rich and the poor both relaxed in large bathhouses. Inside was a large bath in which many people sat and relaxed. The baths also had libraries, art galleries, massages, and shops. To prevent the poor from starting riots, the government gave the poor bread and allowed them to see sporting events for free in order to keep them busy and satisfied. However, every social class in Rome loved to witness gladiator fights and chariot races. These sports were passed down from the Etruscans to the Romans. Gladiators were usually slaves, criminals or captured enemy soldiers. They fought in large arenas that seated thousands called coliseums. Coliseums were were huge structures that had chariot racing, gladiators, and sometimes they filled the arena with water and had mock naval battles! In the coliseums, the gladiators fought to the death against animals such as lions, panthers, and against other gladiators.
|
|