Entertainment
Slaves did much of the work freeing
Roman citizens to enjoy themselves. Most events were free, so even the poor could attend.
Some events were held during the day and others were held at night. Three main types of
entertainment were common in Ancient Rome. Romans attended theatrical performances,
chariot races, and gladiator fights.
Men from all over Rome gathered at the
Campus to play and exercise. The Campus was the old drill ground for the soldiers. It was
near the Tiber River. Soon the Campus became the ancient Rome's field and track
playground. Men participated in foot racing, jumping, archery, wrestling and boxing. The
men also practiced riding, fencing,
wrestling, throwing, and swimming.
In the country men enjoyed hunting,
riding, and fishing. Whether you lived in the city or in the country the baths were an
important part of everyday life. The bath was a place to socialize, relax, exercise, and
play games.
People enjoyed playing games in Ancient
Rome. Common games were dice, marbles, and knucklebones. Knucklebones were jacks made out
of dried animal bones. Infants enjoyed rattles and noisemakers. Children also had
piggybanks, masks made from ivory or terra-cotta, letters cut from ivory, lead figurines
shaped like gods, and miniature sacrificial instruments. Children played with scooters,
jumpropes, kites, yo-yos, and swings. Small wooden tops were used. Some children played
with small carts that were hitched to the family goat, pony, or dog. Girls played with rag
dolls and wax figurines. Some of the wooden and terra cotta dolls had movable arms and
legs. Romans also played games similar to checkers.
Some more active games included ball
games.
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