The Ancient Roman civilization was known for its innovation, creativity and culture. In particular, the city of Rome was a place of great attractions, entertainment and recreational activities during its heyday. People from all over the world would come to enjoy the many different activities that could be found. One can only imagine the things to do in Ancient Rome. Below are some of the activities that would have been enjoyed by ancient Romans.
Games
Rome had many different kinds of games and sports to enjoy, including the famous “Circus Maximus”. This was a huge chariot race held in a large, oval-shaped race course. It was often accompanied by betting, performances and other activities. Another entertaining game was gladiator fights, which took place in arenas. While this was popular with the masses, it was, of course, also a cruel and violent sport.
Board games were also a popular pastime in Ancient Rome, such as Chess and Dice. Roman version of Chess, for instance, is said to have been invented by the emperor Nero himself. Dicing games were also popular, as well as a strategy game known as Ludo.
Theatre
Romans loved theatre, and it was actually quite advanced for its time. The Romans were experts at combining comedy, tragedy and pathos, making for an entertaining show. Ancient Roman theatres were grand and impressive, with seating for up to 40,000 people. Roman playwrights such as Seneca, Plautus and Terence wrote plays that were still performed hundreds of years later.
The Ancient Roman theatre-going experience wasn’t complete without its sumptuous theatre-snack. Popcorn, seeds and nuts were popular snacks; Romans would even bring their pet birds along so they could dine on scraps of food. Nostalgically, going to the theatre in Ancient Rome would’ve been an extravagant and enjoyable experience.
Religious Rituals
Most ancient Roman activities had the intent of pleasing the gods and goddesses that the Romans believed in. Roman ceremonial activities were complex, elaborate and often led by a priesthood. These rituals usually had a variety of purposes such as honoring a particular god, appeasing the gods or celebrating a particular occasion.
The most notable of all the rituals was conducted at the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in the Capitoline Hill. It was believed that Jupiter was the most powerful of the gods and thus led the other gods in their religious ceremonies. Other common activities included sacrifices, processions, feasts, parades and competitions.
The Popular Arts
Ancient Roman society was heavily influenced by the arts, just like any other great civilization. The popular arts in Rome included poetry, music, sculpture, painting and architecture. As one might expect, all of these art forms had different purposes, often demonstrating the Roman’s high regard for beauty and aesthetics.
Roman architecture was quite unique, with many structures still standing throughout the world such as the Colosseum and Pantheon. Meanwhile, Roman painters and sculptors were also highly skilled and renowned. Among their most famous works were the sculptures of Venus and Apollo found in Rome’s art galleries.
Festival Celebrations
The ancient Romans also had their fair share of festivals and celebrations. These were usually held in honour of the gods or goddesses, such as Feasts of Jupiter and Bacchus. Other festivals included the Lupercalia (a fertility festival), Saturnalia (a winter festival) and the Equorum (a chariot race festival).
Obviously, any celebration was not complete without food and drinks. Feasts were held and the Romans would indulge themselves in their share of wine, roast pork and other delicious dishes.
Professional Sports
In Ancient Rome, there were also various forms of professional sports and tournaments. This was popular amongst noblemen who enjoyed the thrill of competition. Some of the most popular sports included chariot racing and gladiatorial combat, with matches held in the major arenas throughout Rome.
One of the most renowned Roman sports was the Calcio Fiorentino, which was a football-like game still played today in Florence. Boxing and wrestling were also popular and well-regulated. Emperor Augustus himself was a fan of checkerboard games, which were similar to chess.
Social Gatherings
Obviously, no civilization is complete without its social gatherings. The ancient Roman city was known for its lively atmosphere, with countless cafes, bars and clubs scattered around the city. Here, one could find both rich and poor Romans relaxing and having a good time.
Baths were also quite popular, and were a great way for the people of Rome to relax, socialize and keep clean. The two most famous were the Baths of Caracus Domitian and the Baths of Diocletian. Both baths were equipped with fountains, hot and cold running waters, marble floors and decorative sculptures.
Shopping
The Ancient Roman city was full of markets and mercantile establishments. It was here that the people of Rome would go to buy clothing, food and other goods. Additionally, Rome was home to many craftsmen and artisans who produced high-quality ceramics, furniture and jewelry.
Markets were also a great place to socialize and soak up the atmosphere. Street vendors plied their wares and traders argued over prices, with some centuries-old bartering practices still in use today.
These are only some of the things which could be done in Ancient Rome. Its unique blend of culture, art, sport and social activities made it stand out as a true international centre of entertainment. It’s fascinating to see how Ancient Rome’s legacy still influences many forms of recreation today.
