Life in the Roman world of Nero and StPaul . rther distance a trench surrounded thearena and separated it from the platform. But the great entertainment of the amphitheatrewas the combats of men with men. After the beast-fights, which were held in the mornings, and amountedin estimation to a matinee, there followed the fightsof the gladiators. Outside the building are beingsold the books which catalogue the pairings, togetherwith some record of the men, the name of their train- 286 LIFE IN THE ROiMAN WORLD chap. ing-school, and a statement as to the weapons withwhich they will fight and as to
Life in the Roman world of Nero and StPaul . rther distance a trench surrounded thearena and separated it from the platform. But the great entertainment of the amphitheatrewas the combats of men with men. After the beast-fights, which were held in the mornings, and amountedin estimation to a matinee, there followed the fightsof the gladiators. Outside the building are beingsold the books which catalogue the pairings, togetherwith some record of the men, the name of their train- 286 LIFE IN THE ROiMAN WORLD chap. ing-school, and a statement as to the weapons withwhich they will fight and as to whether they havemade previous appearances. At the appointed timethe procession enters from one end of the arena, andthe combatants parade and salute the emperor, if heis present, or the presiding officer. Their weaponsare examined, and there is a preliminary sham-fight,partly for exhibition of skill and to influence bets,partly for practice. The men then return to theirplaces, a trumpet blows, and a pair commences the ASTlANAX KaENDIO ^IZI. Fig. 90. — Gladiators Fighting. real fighting. Sometimes a man is in full and heavyarmour from head to foot; sometimes he is lightlyequipped with a half-shield and a spear; sometimeshe carries only a sharp three-pronged spear and acasting-net, in which he endeavours to enmesh anenemy fully armed. Besides combats on foot, theremay be fights upon horseback, or even in chariots ofthe kind then best known in Britain. To encouragethe participants, and to lend more spirit to the scene,there is a blowing of horns and trumpets while thefight proceeds. All around the people are shoutingtheir comments and their advice; they applaud and XV HOLIDAYS AND AMUSEMENTS 287 adjure and curse. Get up to him! Kill him!and the like are heard on every side. A man falls,not dead, but disabled, and the spectators shout Hehas it. He holds up his finger in sign of defeat, buthe utters no cry. Shall he be killed, or shall he not ?The answer depends on the president
Size: 2178px × 1147px
Photo credit: © The Reading Room / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectchurchhistory, bookye
